Occupational Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist will primarily provide outpatient rehabilitation services in an in‑home setting for the older adult population. The in‑home setting could be a patient’s private residence or a patient’s room in an independent living facility. This allows the Occupational Therapist to evaluate and treat in the most functional environment, which is the patient’s home. The Occupational Therapist organizes and conducts occupational therapy programs for the agency to facilitate rehabilitation. In addition, they direct patient participation in selected tasks to restore, reinforce, and enhance performance. The Occupational Therapist facilitates the learning of those skills and functions essential for adaptation and productivity, in order to diminish or correct pathology. This position provides a flexible schedule and work environment in various settings.

RESPONSIBILITIES / ACCOUNTABILITIES

As necessary or applicable, supervision of Occupational Therapy Assistants, temporary licensees, students, and support personnel in accordance with state licensure requirements and professional standards.

Responsible for adherence to department and patient treatment schedule, timely clinical and billing documentation requirements as well as work related meetings.

Attends and contributes to patient care, staffing conferences and other related meetings.

Makes referrals to other disciplines, agencies in order to address the comprehensive needs of the patient.

Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team, including the community physician, to select the most appropriate therapeutic regimen consistent with the needs and capabilities of each patient.

Adapts program and/or plan of care according to the needs of individual patients.

Promotes a safe environment and enforces the elimination of fire and safety hazards.

Orders supplies and equipment as necessary.

Cleans, maintains, identifies, and reports the need for repair of equipment as necessary.

Puts patient service first: ensures that patients and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals' needs and rights.

Screens, examines and evaluates patients, including history, systems review, and application of appropriate tests and measures, synthesize information and interpret examination findings in order to establish a diagnosis, identify impairments, determine the predicted level of improvement and the theme required to achieve it, identify precautions/contraindications and design and plan of care. Develops appropriate treatment goals and methods in collaboration with the patient and caregivers, implements the occupational therapy treatment plan, and completes all related documentation and record keeping regarding these services. Services include but are not limited to application of therapeutic techniques in areas such as:

• cognitive skills
• muscle strength
• coordination
• endurance
• mobility
• perceptual abilities
• sensory awareness
• sing and standing tolerance
• balance
• activities of daily living
• joint protection
• work simplification
• orientation
• physical agent modalities
• low vision
• falls risk management
• medication management
• health and wellness
• community integration and reintegration
• Case Management skills in the home and community space

Designs, fabricates, fits and/or applies adaptive devices, and trains patients in the use of adaptive devices including orthotics and prosthetics.

Selects appropriate activities suited to the individual's physical and mental capacity, intelligence level and interest.

Instructs patients in the skills and techniques required for participation in functional activities and evaluates patient progress, attitudes, and behavior as related to rehabilitative potential.

Performs routine reexamination as needed/required to modify/progress plan of treatment.

Performs other related duties as required.

SPECIFIC EDUCATIONAL / VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have a valid Occupational Therapy license in the state(s) of practice, or proof of license eligibility.
• Must have a valid driver's license or reliable, independent transportation to and from the patient’s residence.

JOB SKILLS

• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.