Occupational Therapist-Outpatient

The Staff Occupational Therapist administers occupational therapy services as ordered by a physician and in accordance with accepted practices of occupational therapy. He/she is responsible for evaluating, planning and implementing occupational therapy services for the outpatient population.

Qualifications:
Required Skills/Knowledge
Demonstrates skills and knowledge necessary to assure appropriate assessment and treatment to the developmental/chronological age of the patients served.
Has enthusiastic interest and/or experience in pediatric program development/enhancement.
Ability to work well with others.
Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.
Computer system/software proficiency.

Required Licenses and Certifications
Current/eligible for District of Columbia occupational therapy license. (Required)
Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). (Required)
CPR certification. (Required)

Job Functions
Essential job duties:

• Perform and document pertinent evaluation results, including patient and/or family interview, observation, objective measurements, systems review and interpretation of findings, within timeframes consistent with department policy.

• Discuss evaluation results with patient/caregiver and appropriate healthcare team members and respond to questions appropriately.

• Refer patient to appropriate practitioner if the diagnosis is outside scope of expertise.

• Set measurable and realistic and functional short and/or long-term goals based on patient's medical status, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s), discharge plans and patient/family input.

• Utilize outcome measurement tools as per established guidelines.

• Effectively and independently provide physical therapy services according to professional standards, HSC regulations, including Department of Health, The Joint Commission and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) which focus on patient safety, function, pain tolerance/level, goals, etc.

• Periodically re-evaluate and modify treatment plan and goals as indicated based on patient's medical status, response to treatment, anticipated therapeutic outcome(s) and discharge plans.

• Involve patient/family and/or other caregiver(s), including expectations and limitations in goal development and plan of care to include discharge planning. Complete and or communicate needs for equipment, follow- up care and/or home modifications by time of discharge.

• Assess and identify discharge planning needs with consideration of patient's medical, psychological, behavioral and socioeconomic status as well as anticipated therapeutic outcome(s).

• Plan, attend, and/or lead community reintegration outings when appropriate.

• Follow established documentation policies and guidelines regarding initial evaluations, treatment/progress notes, teaching records, and discharge summaries as set forth by the department.

• Instruct/encourage patient, family members and/or caregiver(s) in therapeutic activities (e.g. handling techniques, modifications or techniques for self-care activities, progression of fine and gross motor skills and, equipment use and care).

• Demonstrate productivity at the discretion of the Program Manager, averaging 62.5%

• Provide in-services for department/unit staff as appropriate.

• Responsible for supporting the occupational therapy clinical education program. Oversee students as assigned.

• Assist with the development and/or revision of departmental policies and procedures.

• As appropriate, effectively handle administrative/shared responsibilities.

• Make suggestions regarding purchase of new equipment and supplies, when necessary.

• Maintain equipment and supplies in a clean and orderly condition.

• Demonstrate familiarity with all policies and procedures of the hospital and the department.

• Complete required or necessary orientation, annual training and in-services. Also ensure all competencies are maintained.

• Ensure timely and cooperative inter- and intra-departmental relationships and communications throughout the hospital/hospital system and with individuals external to the hospital/hospital system.

• Assist with the monitoring and evaluation process for important aspects of care for the department via performance improvement programs.

• Facilitate and support department compliance with local, state, and federal laws, regulations and standards, including those governing professional practice. Assumes responsibility for meeting requirements specified by the Joint Commission/DOH and other relevant regulatory agencies and organizations.

• Maintain skills, licensure, regulatory requirements and credentials needed to perform assigned duties.

Other job duties:

• May perform other duties in addition to those outlined in this job description.