OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Occupational Therapist Position

Responsible for the evaluation, planning, directing and administering of occupational therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed physician. Administers treatments and occupational agents as prescribed by a referring physician in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Directs the Occupational Therapy Department certified staff, including Occupational Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Aides, Occupational Therapy certification applicants and Occupational Therapy students.
• Observes and evaluates treatment affect. Recommends change to physician, if needed.
• Performs an appropriate assessment on each patient, as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments, as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning; family is included in teaching, as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency of occupational therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff and administrative team.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients' needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to the personnel and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Meets current documentation standards and policies.

Competencies

• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Provides evaluation of certified staff including interviewing, hiring, evaluating and termination.
• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual educational requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including JCAHO, state and federal regulations and standards.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes inservices and returns in timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and departmental inservices, as scheduled.
• Attends at least staff meetings annually; reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Supervisory Responsibility

None.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

• Degree from a school or college approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association required.
• Current certificate as Certified Occupational Therapy required.
• Current BCLS certification required.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Basic computer knowledge.
• Basic knowledge of physical medicine, occupational therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Strong written and verbal skills.