Occupational Therapist

Job Title

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Major Duties Include Not Are Not Limited To:

• Incumbent demonstrates a high degree of independence and professional judgment in planning and executing treatment programs to meet complex treatment objectives for mobility with the Veteran and active-duty population.
• Performs more complex and varied evaluations when evaluating and treating patients in Home Care areas that are beyond the general practice of Occupational Therapy
• Appropriately completes home accessibility and safety assessments. Makes recommendations to improve safety and accessibility, as needed. Involves the patient, family/significant other and medical team in treatment planning and goal setting through ongoing communication.
• Plans and carries out the full range of specialized interventions and treatment modalities where therapeutic objectives are complex, and procedures involved require the application of specialized skills and knowledge in the area of mobility and balance.
• Adapts and applies treatment procedures with critical concern for patients who are acutely ill, or who have a combination of sever mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. Treatment will be provided in the home, on the ward, in the facility and in the community as appropriate for the patient's needs.
• Assesses for and request prosthetic/orthotic equipment as needed and can make modifications as necessary.
• Makes recommendations and referral to other medical specialties/services as needs are identified during ongoing assessment of this complex patient population.
• Evaluates need for medical equipment. Ensures proper ordering procedures are used.
• Assists in the scheduling of patients according to the Occupational therapy treatment plan, while coordinating with the treatment plans of other disciplines within the team and facility.
• Maintains consistent and timely documentation of patient encounters in the electronic medical record in accordance with accepted O.T. practice, PMRS, facility and VA policies and procedures.
• For each patient assigned, maintains consistent and timely documentation of encounters in patient's medical record.
• Participates in regular team meetings, verbal and written communication and consultation amongst team members to guide and evaluate the work of the multi-disciplinary program.
• Communicates by educating and involving patient, family, significant others, and pertinent health care staff in the patient's treatment plans, disease process, and goals.
• Provides basic emergency intervention to the patient to prevent further injury or infection using established VA procedures.
• Practices appropriate infection control procedures, personal safety, patient safety, patient privacy and treatment precautions pertinent to patient's condition or disease process, and the location of patient encounter.
• Requests and maintains supplies in the vehicle/OT area for ongoing patient treatment.
• Actively participates in his/her own professional development maintaining an appropriate level of education as required by Missouri Division of Professional Licensure for Occupational Therapy and the AOTA. Develops and provides individualized clinical training experience for occupational therapy students.
• Completes annual mandatory reviews and other education as directed by National Headquarters, VISN, Medical Center, Service Line, and Department.
• Attends PM&R section in-services as well as hospital-wide in-services. Attends and completes mandatory in-service training as required by VA, PM&R, and OT policies Provides necessary guidance, direction, and supervision to occupational therapy students, volunteers, and/or CWT workers assigned to the PM&R clinic.
• Compiles and submits statistical data, reports and quality assurance findings to document program effectiveness, caseload, and attendance.
• Assists in the maintenance of the clinic and exhibits good safety practices following proper safety policies and procedures per VA, Joint Commission, CARF, OSHA, etc. for infection control, equipment etc.
• Participates in quality assurance projects and/or Quality Assurance projects and completes reports as required on patient treatment.
• Participates in quarterly Occupational Therapy peer review process.
• Participates in or coordinates program development for special programs within the Occupational Therapy department.
• Corresponds with patients and families in person, over the phone, through telehealth and/or through MyHealthyVet in a professional, timely, and courteous manner.
• Participates in Performance Improvement activities and peer review as requested.
• Maintains adequate supplies, materials, and equipment for anticipated treatment needs, in line with budget.

Work Schedule

8:00am - 4:30pm. Weekends and holiday rotations

Telework

Not available

Virtual

This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #

000000

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives

Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS):

Not Authorized

US Department of Veterans Affairs