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 re-education, 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 reeducation, 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.

Education, Experience and Certifications / 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.
• BLS (AHA)- Required.
• Applicable state license for the working location for Occupational Therapy- Required.

Float Requirements:

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