Occupational Therapist

Job Description

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Evaluates patients, presenting or referred to occupational therapy, by completing initial evaluation within time standards per department protocol.
• Applies appropriate diagnostic and prognostic testing for musculoskeletal, neurological and neuromuscular conditions.
• Standardized testing will include special tests to determine level of disability and track outcomes over the patient care experience.
• Evaluates assigned patients and develops treatment plans including specific goals and activities, reassessing and modifying plans as necessary based on patient’s current level of function and makes appropriate disposition recommendations.
• Utilizes a variety of sensorimotor, neuromuscular reeducation, recreational and social activities to foster patients’ achievement of maximum independence in activities of daily living.
• Applies technical knowledge in rehabilitative activities tailored to patient’s needs including, but not limited to: ADL training, home safety assessment and education, use of compensatory techniques and equipment, neuromuscular and sensory re-education, gross and fine motor coordination, evaluation and training, energy conservation, functional mobility, positioning, splinting and hand therapy techniques.
• Performs a variety of best practice and evidence based therapeutic interventions to address the unique rehabilitation needs of each patient.
• Establishes appropriate treatment plan with measurable and attainable goals and time frames by collaborating with patient, family and other members of the health care team including discharge planning.
• Recognizes individual limitations and capabilities and utilizes available resources.
• Evaluates patient’s learning style and appropriately teaches patients skills and techniques required for participation in occupational therapy.
• Consistently demonstrates flexibility as evidenced by floating to other areas, sites and is available to work flexible schedules including weekends, holidays and after hours.
• Consults with other members of rehabilitation team to select the most appropriate activity and/or program for individual patients, based on patient needs and capabilities.
• Communicates effectively to all patients, families, superiors, staff, physicians and other customers concerning physical medicine and rehabilitation services by direct verbal and/or written communication respecting confidentiality at all times.
• Demonstrates effective time management and is proactive in prioritizing workload and meeting productivity requirements.
• Documents all patient care activities including evaluations, progress notes and detailed treatment records per standards of practice and regulatory/third party payer requirements.
• Facilitates preparation of patient schedules, billing charges and other reports per medical records procedure through timely completion of documentation per policy.
• On all documentation, utilizes descriptive, behavioral terms using correct grammar, organizationally approved abbreviations and medical terminology.
• Documents ongoing status, interventions, patient response and outcomes to correctly capture billing charges.
• Participates in personal, professional and program development by attending department in services, meetings and by sharing professional expertise to enhance quality of professional services and staff development.
• Assists in training occupational therapy and certified occupational therapist assistant students and other hospital personnel.
• Acts as a resource for new staff members and co-workers by sharing information and providing education.
• Participates in department and hospital quality improvement initiatives to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.
• Adheres to professional code of ethics (AOTA) and to all accreditation and regulatory requirements.

Education, Experience and Certification/ License:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy- Required.
• Master’s Degree- Preferred.
• Previous work experience providing direct patient care in outpatient, inpatient or inpatient rehab unit preferred.
• Prior use of electronic medical records (EMR), preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association- Required.
• Applicable state license for the working location for Occupational Therapy- Required

Float Requirements:

• Floating may be required to any Common Spirit location within sixty (60) miles of the original assignment location or CommonSpirit-identified “float zone”.
• Float assignments may include duties outside of original assignment job requirements (including skill set) in accordance with Common Spirit policy.