Occupational Therapist - Physical Therapy

Summary:

Assesses and treats the impact of illness, injury, developmental or psychological impairments of the patient in the performance areas of Activities of Daily Living including; range-of-motion, grooming & hygiene, eating, dressing, toileting, driving, cooking, or working. Is responsible for assisting the patient to regain, develop, and learn skills to enable them to achieve optimal independence, reduce joint strain, prevent further joint damage and conserve energy. Is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the plan of care for the person served. Performs and directs administration of all occupational therapy modalities & collaborates throughout the process with the patient, their family and the interdisciplinary team. 

Responsibilities:

• Verifies physician orders prior to evaluation. Evaluates each patient before administering treatments, incorporating psychological and physical issues. Evaluations must include thorough reading of patient's chart & history; may include objective measurements relative to the patient’s diagnosis and condition. Completes the evaluation & establishes goals and plan of care in collaboration with the patient, his/her family and other healthcare workers as appropriate. 
• Administers and directs administration of all Occupational Therapy treatment & modalities to assist the patient in reaching his/her maximum rehabilitation potential through the use of ADL activities, splinting, ROM, endurance building, strengthening exercises, cognitive retraining, coordination & dexterity training. Has knowledge of indications and contraindications. Calls the physician if treatment ordered is not indicated. 
• Acquisitions appropriate equipment, checks equipment being used for safety, and communicates the evaluation, treatment procedures and the use of the specific equipment to patient and family. 
• Applies or supervises appropriate treatments or modalities such as; therapeutic exercises, hot moist packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, paraffin, soft tissue mobilization, balance training and functional mobility training. Checks frequently with patient for tolerance of modality given. 
• Maintains contact with the referring physician regarding patient progress. Observes treatment effects & recommends changes to physician if indicated. 
• Creates home programs for patients whenever indicated. Explains the program to patient, asking for return demonstrations and trains the family if necessary. 
• Directs and oversees COTA’s and Rehabilitation Assistants during occupational therapy treatments. Participates with on-the-job training of rehabilitation personnel. 
• Maintains records of all patient treatments as required, information must include but is not limited to, subjective & objective information, assessment and plan for each treatment given or recommended. Completes appropriate documentation for a specific area in which the therapy is provided. 
• Promotes the team approach to delivery of rehabilitation services, while serving as a representative in the field of Occupational Therapy. 
• In collaboration with the rehabilitation team, develops and implements measures for quality assurance and participates in performance improvement activities. 
• Maintains professional competence through continuing education and participation in appropriate professional groups. Obtains professional continuing education requirements to maintain licensure. 
• Ensures charges correlate with treatment session documentation and length of time in therapy. 
• Maintains productivity standards. 

Requirements:

Education:

• Doctorate, Masters, or Bachelors degree in Occupational Therapy. 

Experience:

• One year Occupational Therapy preferred.
• Demonstrates accountability and skills in assessment/evaluation, decision-making and time management. Should have strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication and organizational skills.

Certifications, Registrations, or Licenses:

• Current New Mexico American Occupational Therapy Association licensure & BLS certification required.

Work Schedule:

MULTIPLE SHIFTS AVAILABLE

Work Type:

Full Time