Occupational Therapist

Job Summary:

The Occupational Therapist provides specialized outpatient occupational therapy services including patient assessment, individualized treatment planning, and therapeutic care to patients with physical disabilities resulting from injury, disease, or surgery. This role involves educating patients and families, documenting treatment progress, and managing a growing elbow/wrist/hand therapy program. The therapist works closely with support staff and participates in mentorship opportunities to enhance clinical skills and program development. Responsibilities:

• Obtain thorough patient medical, social history, and current status information.
• Evaluate patients as directed by physicians and develop individualized care plans.
• Administer therapeutic treatments using physical agents, biomechanical, and neurophysiological principles.
• Re-evaluate patient status and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Document evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries in electronic medical records.
• Educate patients and families on treatment plans and procedures.
• Complete daily billing procedures for services rendered.
• Provide direction and oversight to occupational therapy support staff.
• Organize daily workload efficiently and manage time for self and staff.
• Monitor safety and effectiveness of patient care equipment and work environment; report deficiencies promptly.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association or equivalent.
• Active or eligible to obtain Washington state Occupational Therapist license.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification to be completed within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to evaluate and treat patients across the age continuum, including school age to geriatric populations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction with healthcare professionals, patients, and families.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Advanced degree or additional training in occupational therapy.
• One year or more of outpatient occupational therapy experience.
• Experience in hand therapy and splinting.

Special Considerations:

• Physical demands include occasional standing, walking, lifting up to 50 pounds, reaching, kneeling, bending, crouching, stooping, pushing, and pulling.
• Manual dexterity and good visual acuity required for patient assessment and documentation.
• Mental acuity necessary for clinical decision-making and patient management.

Scheduling:

• Outpatient work schedule; specific shifts and hours determined by department needs.
• Efficient organization of daily workload to meet patient care demands.