Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

In this position the Occupational Therapist/OT has skills and knowledge in techniques for applying care targeting prescription, evaluation, and fitting of custom wheelchair positioning, seating, and mobility systems, self-care and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) needs for Veterans with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Spinal Cord Injury disorders (SCL/D) and other neuromuscular, musculoskeletal and movement diagnoses in inpatient and outpatient settings. OTs practice independently and are responsible for comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. He/she provides direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with higher degrees of complexity. The OT embraces evidenced based practice standards in diagnosis, examination, management, intervention, treatment, and outcome measurement.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Performs patient evaluations.
• Veterans are scheduled for evaluation considering caseload complexity and acuity of medical condition. Coordinates Veteran schedule with other interdisciplinary team members.
• Recognizes the appropriateness of treatment based on indications, precautions, and contraindications (e.g. pharmacological) and uses professional judgement to initiate consultation to the appropriate provider.

Treatment Implementation:

• Evaluation findings are used to develop and implement comprehensive patient treatment plans including objective, measurable goals and timeliness for completion. These goals are developed in collaboration with the patient, family and/or stakeholder input.
• Implements complex and innovative therapeutic techniques not limited to: Therapeutic media, lifestyle coping skills and modifications, complementary and alternative modalities (CAM), cognitive therapy and mobility training to maintain or achieve veteran's physical and/or emotional rehabilitation potential.
• Independently develops and implements comprehensive and advanced therapeutic programs and technique
• Recognizes and responds to adverse reactions and emergency situations of the patient during the session and modifies the plan of care. Documents treatment progression and/or modifications accordingly
• Provides the equipment, materials, instruction, encouragement, or counseling necessary to promote functional mobility and activities performance
• Demonstrates knowledge, experience and skills in the prescription, fitting, and training in the use of specialty equipment. This includes needs for orthotics, static and dynamic (custom and/or prefabricated), assistive technology, wheelchair mobility, lifts and lift systems, devices for activities of daily living, modalities (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc.), and other devices. May need consultation with more experienced clinician or clinical specialist, if necessary
• Develops Home Programs for patients as indicated at discharge. Instructs significant others in ways to assist patient to carry out home program in the use of equipment and adaptive/assistive devices issued.

Administrative Functions:

• Understands and adheres to department, program, and facility procedures.
• Receive and triage patient referrals/consults, patient self-referrals, adheres to consult compliance established guidelines and is knowledgeable of admission criteria for each program (inpatient/outpatient) for appropriate continuum of care placement.
• Schedules Veterans for treatment, considering priority and frequency of care and coordinating schedules with other members of the treatment team
• Provides relief coverage, as needed, in any PM&R program in the event of shortage of staff to maintain the continuum of patient care
• Participates in update of evaluation forms and protocols to adequately meet the requirements of the program and types of patients in assigned clinical setting.

Education and Research:

• Identifies learning activities for self and others. Participates and contributes to the advancements of knowledge and techniques related to specialty services and outpatient management and Occupational therapy via in-services and/or mentorship projects. Conducts in services for interdisciplinary team and other rehabilitation programs.
• Maintains current concepts and trends in Occupational therapy and evidence-based medicine/rehabilitation practices through literature reviews, study of current research, clinical practice, and through attendance to continuing education courses, conferences, and in-services.

Work Schedule: 8:00AM-4:30PM Monday-Friday with occasional weekend and holiday coverage.

Telework: Not Available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 5131F. 5132-F, 5133F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized