Occupational Therapist I

Occupational Therapist I

Delivers occupational therapy services through the evaluation of patient needs, goal determination, and development of treatment plans according to the principles and practices of occupational therapy.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed:

• Performs occupational therapy services to patients in accordance with generally accepted occupational therapy standards, Maryland State Board Practice, code of ethics, and departmental and/or organizational policies and procedures.
• Performs patient assessments and develops individualized treatment plan programs for clients/patients to promote health, well-being, and the patient's ability to participate in the important activities in their life. Develops and maintains long- and short-term treatment objectives and re-evaluates and modifies treatment programs as necessary.
• Records patient evaluations, re-evaluations and care provided in the medical record, in accordance with departmental documentation standards.
• Informs patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members of evaluation results and plan for treatment and refers for further evaluation.
• Plans and provides therapy education and counseling to individuals.
• Provides mentorship and training to clinical team members and/or students as eligible based on departmental needs.
• Participates in performance improvement activities and suggests areas for improvement to colleagues in a tactful and considerate manner. Proposes performance improvement topics and alternate treatment techniques to improve therapy services.
• Reports clinical and operational issues to departmental leadership and assists in their resolution to assure high quality care and efficient departmental operations.
• Demonstrates interdisciplinary, safe, patient-centered care and delivers excellent customer service.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and experience - required:

• Master's degree required. Bachelor's degree accepted if licensed prior to 2008 (per previous requirement).
• None.
• Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Maryland.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to access, review, and integrate information from a variety of sources to develop a treatment plan.
• Strong verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills, including the ability to instruct others.
• Interpersonal skills to enable the therapist to establish and maintain rapport with patient as part of the therapeutic relationship.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse healthcare team.
• Ability to manage time and set priorities according to the demands of the job.
• Ability to conceptualize and problem-solve in the management of the patient.
• Ability to break down functional tasks to achieve patient centered goals.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and patients.
• Ability and willingness to adapt hours of availability to variable and changing needs of the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with patients and team members.
• Ability to effectively use various pieces of medical and therapeutic equipment.

University of Maryland Medical Center