Occupational Therapist - Inpatient

Acute Care Occupational Therapist

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

The Acute Care Occupational Therapist evaluates plans and administers occupational therapy treatment programs for referred patients, in the acute care setting. Occupational Therapist shall provide rehabilitation services to patients/clients, upon physician consult or referral, who have sustained occupational impairments, limitations and disabilities, as a result of physical, cognitive or psycho-social dysfunction. Occupational therapists also provide interventions which emphasize emotional wellness, health promotion, client safety and facilitate client re-engagement of ADL/IADL skills. The Occupational Therapist shall work within the practice guidelines as defined by Pennsylvania state law. Patients encountered by the Acute Care Physical Therapist may include those with a diagnosis and/or impairments related to pediatric (2 months – 12 years), adolescent (13-17 years), adult (18-65 years) medical conditions.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs occupational therapy examination in a technically competent manner that minimizes risk to the patient, self and others by selecting reliable and valid examination methods that are relevant to the chief complaint and history of the patient.
• Establishes realistic, attainable short-term and long-term goals with each patient.
• Performs therapeutic exercises effectively and appropriately.
• Implements, and revises as necessary, effective progressive treatment programs taking evaluative findings into consideration.
• Administers therapeutic modalities and programs appropriately and effectively, including hot/cold pack, ultrasound, massage, electrical stimulation, whirlpool and wound care.
• Fits assistive, prosthetic and orthotic devices and provides appropriate training.
• Performs appropriate discharge planning, instructs patients and family member(s) in home programs.
• Documents accurately, in a timely manner, including initial evaluation, progress notes and discharge summaries.
• Adheres to the Standards of Practice and institutional policy and procedures that govern the conduct of professional activities and are consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Associations' (AOTA) positions, standards, guidelines, policies, procedures, and Code of Ethics. Integrates AOTA documents, legislation, legal, and regulatory issues into practice.
• Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment and knowledge of growth and development appropriate to the age of the patient treated (neonate, pediatric, adolescent or geriatric).
• May supervise OT and COTA students and observers as assigned.
• Attends Case Management/Interdisciplinary rounds and provides timely communication of information to other members of the multidisciplinary team
• Provides in-services to OT department staff and others.
• Attends multi-disciplinary meetings. Accurately bills patient's accounts for services rendered.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Sensory Requirements:

Must be able to sit for up to ninety minutes at a time. Be able to tolerate standing for thirty to forty-five minutes consecutively. Must be able to use hands/fingers to manipulate dials on machines. Must have the ability to lift/move patients up to 300 lbs., push/pull patients weighing up to 300 lbs. Must have the ability to frequently stoop/bend, squat, crouch, kneel and reach above shoulder level. Must be capable of tactile sensation as it relates to feeling for muscle spasms, texture and skin temperature. Must have the ability to hear as it relates to normal conversation and ability to hear call bells. Must be capable of seeing as it relates to general vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

Education:

Current Occupational Therapist license in the State of Pennsylvania or New Jersey, based on work location is required. The Occupational Therapist shall work within the practice guidelines as defined by Pennsylvania or New Jersey state law (based upon work location). Doctorate Degree preferred.

Training and Experience:

Current CPR certification. Successful completion of required affiliations and/or CEU's to maintain licensure.

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.