Occupational Therapist Spinal Cord Injury

Allied Health Professional

Duties and skills needed to be successful in this position include, but are not limited to:

CLINICAL

1. After receiving an appropriate referral, independently evaluates patients referred for Occupational Therapy, using standard and non-standard methods to assess range of motion, strength, sensation, proprioception, coordination, perception, cognition, ADL and work activities, orthotic and prosthetic needs and need for adaptive equipment. In addition, assesses independent living skills to include use of community resources, home management, time management, and safety in the home and community; self-awareness, interpersonal and social skills; stress management; role development, self-sufficiency and interdependency and wellness; and whole health coaching. Evaluations consider lifestyle, culture, social support system, military, work, and leisure history, and limitation and abilities related to age and diagnoses.
2. Based on evaluations, planning with patient and significant others (when appropriate), and coordination with the multidisciplinary team, establishes treatment goals and eventual discharge plan.
3. Develops and carries out occupational therapy plans with individuals to meet individual rehabilitation objectives. Implements an occupational therapy treatment plan to meet individual rehabilitation objectives utilizing functional activities which have as their goal the improvement of patient's activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perceptive and/or cognitive process, and may also include, therapeutic exercise, muscle reeducation, neuromuscular facilitation, perceptual motor integration, fabrication and application of devices for daily living, teaching adaptive or compensatory techniques for community re-entry and work activities and providing patient and/or caregiver education regarding disability. Patients treated have complex physical, emotional, and social problems.
4. Re-evaluates patient's performance and modifies treatment as indicated. Regularly presents patient information to health care providers regarding treatment outcomes, status, and expectations. Communication is timely and follows department policies.
5. Evaluates patient's living situation through home visits, patient and family interview, or consultation with other health care professionals. Assists patient in solving problems associated with home environment.
6. Initiates ordering, delivery and training in the use of patient specific adaptive equipment in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner, utilizing the processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment.
7. Carries a full patient caseload (if mentoring OT or OT supervisor approves), accepting new consults as referred by the primary care provider/medical or health care provider. Treatment directly affects a patient's social, emotional, and functional well-being. Assignments may include acute care medical and surgical cases, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatients, and/or the community living center.
8. Documents initial evaluations, progress, IRF-PAI Section GG changes, and discharge planning in a timely, concise manner, per section documentation and consult management requirements.
9. Is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and reports to the appropriate authority.

ADMINISTRATIVE

1. For each patient assigned, accurately maintains patient schedule and attendance. Independently manages daily workload and schedule. Schedule's patients promptly to comply with Advanced Clinical Access performance levels.
2. Completes daily, weekly, and monthly statistics as required by the service. Accurately documents for the medical record: an initial evaluation including short- and long-term goals; progress reports which include description of treatment provided and outcome in terms of function; discharge summary, which includes summary of treatment, outcome in terms of goals set, equipment provided, and education given to patient and family.
3. Participates in CARF and Joint Commission activities to ensure compliance and accreditation.
4. Maintains current NBCOT and certifications, DORA requirements, and mandatory training as required by the facility.

EDUCATION

1. May supervise occupational therapy students. Provides supervision of patient evaluation, treatment planning, treatment implementation and oral and written reporting. Promotes student's professional growth and creative thinking. Rates and provides counsel to students using the Fieldwork Evaluation Form (provided by AOTA). Receives guidance from the OT supervisor as needed.

Work Schedule : Intermittent

Telework : Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement # : 54277-A, 54278-A, 54279-A

US Department of Veterans Affairs