Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist contracted through the Organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for occupational therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Service Agreement.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility for the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment and development of the individualized plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s).
• Provides services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.
• Provides patient, caregiver, and family counseling.
• Provides patient and caregiver education.
• Communicates with the physician who is responsible for the home health plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current home health plan of care.
• Evaluates patient's functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc.). Evaluates home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living. Identifies equipment needs. Participates in the development of the total plan of care.
• For patients who plan to return to work, the occupational therapist may perform work capacity evaluation and may refer to specialized vocational training in accordance with Organization policy.
• Develops treatment program and establishes goals for improved function.
• May teach new skills or retrain patient in once familiar daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury, in accordance with Organization policy.
• May fabricate splints and instruct patient in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function.
• May train patient in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.
• Maintains appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and reports to the physician any changes in the patient's condition. Submits these records in accordance with Organization policy.
• Participates in and contributes to the HHA's quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA-sponsored in-service training, case conferences, and other meetings as required by Organization policy to ensure coordinated and comprehensive plans of care for the patients of the Organization.
• Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers as appropriate.
• Instructs patient's family/caregiver and other Organization health care personnel in patient's treatment regime when indicated and appropriate.
• Supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants according to organization policy and state regulations.
• When therapy is the only skilled service, instructs, supervises and evaluates home health aide care every two (2) weeks.
• Participates in discharge planning for patient.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

Job Requirements (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Must be licensed where the HHA is located if licensure if required.
• Must have graduated from an OT program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education ("ACOTE") of the American Occupational Therapy Association ("AOTA) or any successor organization of the ACOTE.
• Must be eligible for or have taken the OT certification examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy ("NBCOT").
• Two years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist preferred.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains current BLS CPR Certification.
• The ability to drive and/or have access to transportation for agency related travel (e.g. community partners, patients, etc.) is an essential function of the job. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, maintain automobile insurance coverage and have access to an automobile.

The employer for this position is The Pennant Group, Inc., a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US.