Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist (OT) is responsible for evaluating, planning, and implementing individualized therapy programs designed to help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain skills necessary for daily living and working. The OT collaborates with interdisciplinary healthcare teams to maximize patient independence, safety, and quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient evaluations to assess physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental factors affecting daily functioning.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on patient needs, goals, and physician orders.
• Implement therapeutic interventions to improve activities of daily living (ADLs), fine motor skills, coordination, strength, and cognitive functioning.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on treatment plans, adaptive equipment, and home exercise programs.
• Recommend and train patients in the use of assistive devices and adaptive equipment.
• Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with facility, state, federal, and accrediting agency requirements.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, speech therapists, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
• Participate in discharge planning and provide recommendations for continued care and community resources.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, infection control, patient safety, and regulatory standards.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current Occupational Therapist license in the applicable state.
• Current CPR/BLS certification (if required by facility).
• Strong knowledge of rehabilitation techniques, adaptive equipment, and therapeutic interventions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and patient education skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing, home health, outpatient, pediatric, or school-based settings.
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR).
• Specialty certifications or advanced clinical training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, transfer, and assist patients as needed.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and manual dexterity.
• Ability to perform repetitive movements and use therapy equipment safely.