Occupational Therapist PRN at University of Maryland Medical System in Aberdeen, Maryland

Occupational Therapist PRN

Delivers occupational therapy services through the evaluation of patient needs, goal determination, and development of treatment plans according to the principles and practices of occupational therapy.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

Performs occupational therapy services to patients in accordance with generally accepted occupational therapy standards, Maryland State Board Practice, code of ethics, and departmental and/or organizational policies and procedures.

Performs patient assessments and develops individualized treatment plan programs for clients/patients to promote health, well-being, and the patient's ability to participate in the important activities in their life. Develops and maintains long- and short-term treatment objectives and re-evaluates and modifies treatment programs as necessary.

Records patient evaluations, re-evaluations and care provided in the medical record, in accordance with departmental documentation standards.

Informs patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members of evaluation results and plan for treatment and refers for further evaluation.

Plans and provides therapy education and counseling to individuals.

Provides mentorship and training to clinical team members and/or students as eligible based on departmental needs.

Participates in performance improvement activities and suggests areas for improvement to colleagues in a tactful and considerate manner. Proposes performance improvement topics and alternate treatment techniques to improve therapy services.

Reports clinical and operational issues to departmental leadership and assists in their resolution to assure high quality care and efficient departmental operations.

Demonstrates interdisciplinary, safe, patient-centered care and delivers excellent customer service.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education: Master's degree required. Bachelor's degree accepted if licensed prior to 2008 (per previous requirement).

Experience: One year of experience preferred.

Licensure/Certifications:

o Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Maryland

o Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Ability to access, review, and integrate information from a variety of sources to develop a treatment plan.

Strong verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills, including the ability to instruct others.

Interpersonal skills to enable the therapist to establish and maintain rapport with patient as part of the therapeutic relationship.

Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse healthcare team.

Ability to manage time and set priorities according to the demands of the job.

Ability to conceptualize and problem-solve in the management of the patient.

Ability to break down functional tasks to achieve patient centered goals.

Ability to communicate effectively with team members and patients.

Ability and willingness to adapt hours of availability to variable and changing needs of the organization.

Ability to maintain confidentiality with patients and team members.

Ability to effectively use various pieces of medical and therapeutic equipment.

Conduct comprehensive psychosocial and functional assessments

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans for mental health populations

Deliver evidence-based interventions (CBT-informed strategies, DBT skills, trauma-informed care)

Facilitate therapeutic groups (coping skills, life skills, stress management, social skills)

Address activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs) in behavioral health settings

Support emotional regulation, self-management, and adaptive coping strategies

Perform risk assessments and recognize signs of crisis or decompensation

Utilize sensory modulation and sensory-based interventions for emotional regulation

Knowledge of DSM diagnoses (e.g., depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD)

Experience with co-occurring disorders (mental health + substance use)

Understanding of recovery-oriented and person-centered care models

Application of trauma-informed care principles

Familiarity with psychotropic medications and their functional impacts

Strong therapeutic communication and rapport-building skills

Ability to engage patients with diverse backgrounds and needs

Skilled in motivational interviewing

Effective collaboration with interdisciplinary teams (nursing, psychiatry, social work, case management)

Provide patient and family education

Design and lead structured therapeutic programming

Develop group curricula and psychoeducational materials

Adapt interventions to varied cognitive and emotional levels

Promote community reintegration and discharge planning

Complete timely, accurate clinical documentation

Maintain compliance with regulatory standards (Joint Commission, CMS, state regulations)

Participate in treatment team meetings and care coordination

Support quality improvement initiatives

Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills

Ability to prioritize in fast-paced behavioral health environments

Manage caseloads effectively

Adapt to changing patient needs and acuity levels

Skilled in de-escalation techniques

Maintain therapeutic safety and boundaries

Knowledge of suicide prevention protocols and crisis intervention

Ability to respond appropriately in acute psychiatric situations

Experience in inpatient psychiatry, outpatient behavioral health, or partial hospitalization (PHP/IOP)

Experience with group therapy leadership

Familiarity with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR systems)

Empathy and compassion

Cultural competence

Flexibility and resilience

Strong ethical practice

Team-oriented mindset

Walking Frequently

Crawling Occasionally

Sitting Occasionally

Reaching Frequently

Standing Frequently

Handling Frequently

Reclining Occasionally

Fingering Frequently

Carrying Frequently

Feeling Frequently

Climbing Occasionally

Talking Constantly

Balancing Frequently

Hearing Constantly

Stooping Frequently

Bending Frequently

Kneeling Frequently

Driving Occasionally

Crouching Frequently

Lifting 100+ lbs Frequently

Pushing 26-50 lbs Frequently

Pulling 26-50 lbs Frequently

Near Acuity Required

Far Acuity Required

Field of Vision Required

Color Vision Required

Depth Perception Required

Standard Office Equipment (e.g., computer, telephone)

Medical Instruments/Equipment (e.g., syringe, forceps, needles, lab tools, etc.)

Power Tools (e.g., saw, drill, hammer)

Standard Office Environment

Wet and/or Humid Conditions

Laboratory Environment

Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)

Weekend, shift work, on call, holidays, and overtime

Inclement Weather

Patients with tendencies for violent outbursts

Noise / Vibration

Close quarters, crawl spaces, shafts, small, enclosed rooms, narrow aisles, or passageways.

Bodily Fluids

Mechanical

Infectious Diseases

Electrical

Blood

Chemical

Burns (e.g., kitchen)

Fumes/Gases

Radiation/Radioactive Material

Dust

Poor Ventilation

Medical Related Facility - climate and lighting controlled, clean, but with biohazards and medical equipment hazards.

Strenuous-regular and considerable walking, climbing or standing for extended periods, regular lifting, pushing or pulling of objects, materials, tools, equipment, and/or patients weighing up to 50 pounds.

Moderate-work requires regular fine manipulation in keyboarding, setting equipment controls and typically use of both hands.