Occupational Therapist Santa Monica area

Occupational Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY The occupational therapist is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for occupational therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Service Agreement. Any direct patient care provided will be performed as defined by the state Occupational Therapy Practice Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES In addition to all components of the above position summary the following "Essential Duties and Responsibilities" are essential to successful performance in this position:

• Evaluates the patient's functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc.). Evaluates the home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living. Identifies equipment needs. Participates in the development of the total plan of care.
• For patients who plan to return to work, the occupational therapist may perform work capacity evaluation and may refer to specialized vocational training in accordance with Organization policy.
• Develops a treatment program and establishes goals for improved function. Communicates plan of care to referring physician and other Organization professionals.
• Teaches new skills or retrain patients in once familiar daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury, in accordance with Organization policy.
• May fabricate splints and instruct patients in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function.
• Trains patients in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.
• Maintains appropriate clinical records, and clinical notes, and reports to the physician any changes in the patient's condition. Submits these records in accordance with Organization policy.
• Maintains contract/communication with other personnel involved in the patient's care to promote coordinated, efficient care.
• Attends and contributes to in-services, case conferences, and other meetings as required by Organization policy to ensure coordinated and comprehensive plans of care for the patients of the Organization.
• Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers as appropriate.
• Instructs patient's family/caregiver and other Organization health care personnel in the patients treatment regime when indicated and appropriate.
• Supervises certified occupational therapy assistants according to organization policy and state regulations.
• When therapy is the only skilled service, instructs, supervises, and evaluates home health aide care every two (2) weeks.
• Participates in discharge planning for patients.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent in this position does not have any direct supervision.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/CREDENTIALS

• Graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Registered with the National Registration Examination of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Licensed as an occupational therapist by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
• Two years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist.
• Possesses and maintains current CPR/First Aid certification and negative TB skin test or chest x-ray.
• Must have a valid in-state driver's license, provide current registration and insurance, and have a driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES To perform this position successfully, you must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Demonstrates compassion and patience to help people and improve the daily lives of others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Pay scale $95 per visit

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.