Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Asst-Occupational Therapy Certified -PRN

It's more than a career, it's a calling MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital 1201 Grand

Worker Type: PRN

The position requires a minimum requirement of one Saturday shift and one Sunday shift every four weeks, following completion of the orientation. Weekend hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Holiday Requirement- One Holiday per year Location-Saint Louis University Hospital Previous acute experience is preferred

Why Work Here

Meaningful patient care grounded in presence, compassion, and clinical skill Academic medical center environment that supports continual learning Training across the entire hospital with exposure to a wide range of acute care diagnoses Strong interdisciplinary teamwork focused on communication and collaboration

Opportunities to influence current practice and help shape future clinicians

Challenging and rewarding work that strengthens growth and confidence A shared commitment to excellence in every patient experience

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of an occupational therapist (OT), provides therapy services to inpatients and outpatients with a wide variety of diagnoses utilizing specialized modalities and techniques in accordance with the Professional Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics as established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) Department Policies and Procedures. Collaborates with inter-disciplinary and inter-departmental team to achieve goals and objectives for the provision of optimal patient care services. These services include structured treatment, program implementation, related documentation, and communication.

Job Responsibilities and Requirements:

POSITION ACCOUNTABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE CRITERIA (% of time)

Essential Functions: The following are essential job accountabilities and performance criteria:

1. Provides quality patient care through effective and complete evaluations, appropriate treatment plans, and goals as assessed by Performance Improvement (PI) monitoring, peer/supervisor observation, documentation, and verbal reports. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) 55%

Criteria

a. Carries out appropriate treatment plans based on goals set and progresses patient appropriately regarding frequency and duration, diagnosis, expected length of stay, and patient needs.

b. Delegates responsibility appropriately and supervises rehabilitation technicians, student aides, and volunteers in relation to patient care.

c. Requests therapist intervention as problems arise or conditions change recognizing own limitations. Routinely informs (at least weekly) therapist of patient status.

d. Assess patient for presence of pain on assessment, reassessments and treatment incorporating patient's cultural/spiritual beliefs regarding pain into pain management plan. Implements pain management techniques. Include patient and/or family members in developing a pain management plan. Considers other methods of pain control when developing plan of care: massage, repositioning and immobilization.

e. Applies restraints consistent with the approved procedure. Monitors and assesses patient's response to restraints.

f. Is aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporates it into assessments. Reports signs of possible abuse/neglect to the physician & Risk Management, and recommends appropriate consultations (psychiatric, Social Work) for evaluation.

g. Demonstrates competence for identified areas related to occupational therapy.

h. Maintains proprietary information and patient confidentiality.

i. Attends and/or provides feedback regarding rounds and meetings related to patient care.

j. Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team by initiating appropriate referrals, coordinating schedules and treatment plans, and communicating openly with caring and respect.

2. Documents in complete, accurate, and timely fashion with content following department policy and/or format as assessed by PI monitoring, peer/supervisor observation, and chart auditing. (1, 2, 4, 5, 6) 15%

Criteria

a. Documentation is done per protocols: Inpatient progress notes are hand-written on the interdisciplinary sheet each day the patient is seen. Outpatient progress notes are written for each visit. Documentation includes thorough treatment plan and goals. Progress notes should reflect patient's achievements toward goals and discharge planning. Function, as well as the patient's perception of treatment, must be documented as an integral component of all treatment and reflected in the notes. Discharge summaries are completed within 3 days of discharge and reviewed by therapist overseeing treatment.

b. Documentation meets regulatory and insurance requirements per SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and regulatory and insurance agencies i.e. 30 day treatment plans, times on notes, insurance authorization, etc.

c. Write-ups for substitutions, switches, days off and Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays are done promptly and completely.

d. Daily schedules are turned in to the front desk daily with charges accurately and completely documented, including charges for equipment.

e. Rounds sheets and unit sheets are filled out accurately, completely, and timely.

f. Informs supervisor if difficulties arise concerning timeliness of documentation.

g. Familiar with and able to utilize Meditech functions including Office Automation, Departmental Option, Patient Care Inquiry. Familiar with PC operation including click-it and email.

3. Demonstrates acceptable professional characteristics. (2, 4, 5, 6) 10%

Criteria

a. Works within professional role according to standards set by the AOTA, Missouri Occupational Therapy Practice Act, department service standards, and department policies and procedures.

b. Maintains harmonious relationships with co-workers, both inter- and intra-departmentally, providing support and assistance to foster team building. Appropriately addresses problems/concerns with peers and/or supervisors as needed.

c. Communicates effectively with patients and other health care team members to ensure quality patient care. This includes keeping other professionals informed of patient status and addressing any problems/concerns with peers and/or supervisors as needed.

4. Actively participates in department activities. (5, 6) 5%

Criteria

a. Attends, actively participates, and interacts in all department meetings pertinent to area. Is accountable for information discussed at meetings.

b. Attends all department in-services unless not pertinent or prevented by patient care.

c. Provides one in-service inside or outside of the department.

d. Assists with observation students, volunteers, and student aides as needed.

e. Assists with competency checks as needed.

f. Assists in clinical instruction providing up to 80 hours of clinical experience and guidance including completion of appropriate paperwork and evaluations.

5. Provides safe, effective, occupational therapy treatments in a time efficient manner. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8) 5%

Criteria

a. Consistently maintains a well-balanced average patient load of 90% efficiency.

b. Notifies supervisor of changes in workload, in order to adjust assignments as necessary to achieve optimal productivity and efficiency including substituting at inpatient and at the Anheuser Busch Institute (ABI) as requested.

c. Sees unscheduled, walk-in patients or STAT patients as needed.

d. Demonstrates time management skills by accomplishing required tasks within the appropriate time frame. Avoids overtime and notifies supervisor in the event it does occur. Flexes time as needed. Delegates appropriate tasks as needed.

6. Safety/Infection Control: Practices according to safety and infection control policies. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 5%

Criteria

a. Practices standard precautions and disposes of hazardous wastes per established guidelines.

b. Maintains a safe, clean, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients/families/employees in accordance with hospital standards.

1. Maintains clutter free environment.

2. Keeps conversations and background noise to a minimum

3. Adheres to dress code.

c. Reports risk management concerns.

d. Assumes responsibility for completing all annual mandatory requirements:

e. Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

7. Quality Improvement (QI): Incorporates Quality Assessment into one's daily work. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 5%

Criteria

a. Documents all components of patient care.

b. Complete appropriate paperwork related to patient care.

DISCLAIMER: Performs other related duties as assigned