Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

As the region's subspecialty orthopedic group, Lakeshore Bone & Joint Institute has served the orthopedic needs of northwest Indiana since 1968. With state-of-the-art facilities conveniently located in Chesterton, Crown Point, Michigan City, Portage, and Schererville, we are dedicated to delivering the exceptional, compassionate care to our patients to keep them moving and enjoying life.

Job Summary

Responsible for evaluating, planning and administering occupational therapy treatment plans designed to alleviate pain, restore function, and promote overall fitness and health of patients. Focuses heavily on long-term functional task training, orthopedic upper-extremity therapy, and environment modifications to restore independence in activities of daily living.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct thorough initial evaluations to assess patient condition, medical history, and functional limitations.
• Formulate targeted, evidence-based treatment plans with measurable short- and long-term goals.
• Simulate real-life tasks like cooking, writing, typing, and driving to rebuild daily independence.
• Recommend, fit, and train patients on adaptive equipment to enhance daily functionality.
• Track patient progress, modifying treatment plans as needed to ensure optimal recovery and outcomes.
• Instruct patients and their families on adaptive techniques, home safety modifications, and ongoing therapy carryover.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant electronic medical records (EMRs) for evaluations, daily notes, progress reports and discharge summaries in compliance with facility and state regulations.
• Coordinate care with referring physicians, surgeons, and other allied healthcare professionals.
• Review patient medical history, assess functional limitations, and establish personalized treatment goals.
• Lead patients through prescribed exercises, manual therapy, and utilize modalities like heat, ice, or electrical stimulation.
• Track patient recovery, adjust treatment plans as needed, and coordinate care with physicians and occupational therapists.
• Teach patients and their families proper at-home exercises, injury prevention techniques, and what to expect during recovery.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods, work longer than eight (8) hour shifts, and to work both day/evening shifts. Work may hand dexterity as well as the need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

Work Environment

Work is performed in a clinical environment. Involves frequent contact with patients, physicians, and other healthcare personnel. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive. Work may involve interaction with injured or sick patients. Travel between all Lakeshore Bone & Joint facilities is required for this position.

Qualifications

Current, valid state Occupational Therapist license

Master's or Doctorate preferred

Basic life support (BLS) certification

Minimum of one year of occupational therapy experience in outpatient orthopedics preferred; strong new graduates will also be considered.

Required Skills

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

Knowledge of CPT & ICD-9 coding procedures.

Thorough knowledge of occupational therapy principles and practices.

Working knowledge of computer programs and EMR documentation.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accommodation Statement

Lakeshore Bone & Joint is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.