Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist - Job Description/Summary

The Registered Occupational Therapist provides rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and mental disability through purposeful activity that includes manual and creative skills, educational and recreational activities, facilitation techniques, developmental skills, and other applicable techniques. The goal is to improve the patient’s physical function and promote mental adjustment.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

The Registered Occupational Therapist’s job is to provide rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and mental disability through purposeful activity that will improve the patient’s physical function and promote mental adjustment.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Direct patient treatments.
2. Ensure safety of the patient while he/she is in the Occupational Therapy Department.
3. Organize and maintain proper order of the Occupational Therapy treatment area.
4. Maintain departmental and patient records.
5. Monitor supplies used for extended care, physical disabilities and stress management patients.
6. Chart daily progress of patients.

Physical Demands/Conditions

Bending, stooping, lifting patients and equipment when necessary; pushing patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers; adjusting equipment to meet specific patient needs; providing resistive exercise; physical contact with patients is sometimes necessary; being alert and attentive to perceive patient reactions; working under pressure or stress on occasion; operating electrical equipment.

Special Demands

Desire to work with and for people with temporary or chronic mental, physical, or developmental disabilities; knowledge of medical terminology to understand patient evaluation and chart progress; knowledge and experience in arts and crafts to build strength, promote function, and enhance self-esteem; common sense and reasoning ability to organize activities and use supplies; firm‑kindness attitude toward patients; confidentiality regarding personal patient matters; versatility in dealing with a variety of patients and treatment programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

The Registered Occupational Therapist has satisfactorily completed an Occupational Therapy curriculum approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association, is licensed or eligible for licensure by the Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy, and is certified by the American Board of Certification.

EXPERIENCE

When educational requirements are met, no previous experience is necessary, but it would be desirable.

WORK PERFORMED

Authorities: The Registered Occupational Therapist provides treatment only on written or verbal procedures as prescribed by a medical doctor or D.O.

PRIMARY DUTIES

1. Evaluate patients referred to Occupational Therapy to determine their current physical and functional status and assess their potential benefit from Occupational Therapy Services.
2. Plan Therapy Programs for:
   • Individual in‑patients.
   • Individual out‑patients.
   • Extended Care Center Patients and Group.
   • Stress management patients.
3. Evaluate, record, and report patients’ progress for review by other members of the rehabilitation team.
4. Prepare and fit splints for functional upper and lower extremities as ordered.
5. Requisition supplies and equipment.
6. Provide a safe Occupational Therapy Department.
7. Promote economic use of hospital equipment and supplies.
8. Perform related duties as assigned.