Home Health Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Providence at Home with Compassus

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for therapy evaluations, treatment planning, implementation and discharge planning for patients in the home setting in accordance with established ministry policies while maintaining the highest degree of quality patient care. As a member of the multi-disciplinary Hospice team, the therapist assumes responsibility for communication of patient related issues for appropriate team members or other agency staff and participates in the collection and evaluation of data necessary to assess the appropriateness of care at home. The Occupation Therapist also assumes responsibility for those patients being treated by home health aides and may be assigned to orient staff and students.

Position Specific Responsibilities

• Evaluate physical and functional status as well as cognitive, psychological and perceptual function of the patient and caregiver to determine the patient's capabilities to function safely at home, and to assess the home and family/caregiver for safety risks and ability to support and care for the patient at home.
• Develop a therapy plan of care in collaboration with patients/families; communicate the plan of care to the multidisciplinary Hospice team to form a collaborative patient care plan; provide care in accordance with physician orders and the established plan of care; assess the effectiveness of treatment and modify treatment to achieve the patient's goals.
• Provide patient/family education and counseling regarding issues related to treatments and goals, safety risks and/or other issues within scope of practice.
• Teach home exercise programs and compensatory techniques or skills for managing ongoing physical or functional deficits in the home.
• Provide case management of the patient's care plan and provide supervision and ongoing coordination of services and resources as indicated in the patient's care plan.
• Document assessments, interventions, and communications accurately and timely according to established standards.
• Communicate pertinent medical and clinical information to the hospice Interdisciplinary team, including information regarding the patient's care plan, implementation of changes per physician order and assuring adequate medical follow-up.
• Communicate pertinent information to team members, supervisor, agency staff and external sources as appropriate.
• Participate in team reassessments and discharge planning; teaches patient or family discharge therapy program.
• Recommend and facilitate appropriate medical and/or rehabilitation followed up once Home Infusion/Hospice services have been discontinued; may provide bereavement visits to family members.
• Evaluate, recommend and assists in obtaining adaptive equipment; fabricate adaptive equipment as needed.
• Adapt equipment and techniques for use to the home setting assuring optimum function and safety; provide consultation or appropriate referrals regarding resources and barriers in the community.
• Organize and coordinate transfer of patient information when additional complementary therapies are requested and when patient care is provided by another clinical agency.
• Educate ministry staff, hospital staff and community resources regarding therapy services for hospice patients in the home.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of hospice nursing, MSW, volunteer, chaplain, HHA, and other rehabilitation disciplines in order to make appropriate referrals for those services.
• Instruct and supervise Hospice Aides with regard to programs to be carried out by the Aide including functional skill techniques, exercise and activity programs needed to achieve hospice goals; instructs others in the techniques in order to reach goals.
• Manage assigned caseload and communicate changes in Plan of Care to IDG as appropriate or requested.
• Contribute to overall Hospice team function through effective time management and communication; utilize critical clinical thinking and problem-solving skills to address team issues.

Education and/or Experience

• Required - Bachelor's or Masters Degree Occupational Therapy
• Preferred - Ph.D. in Occupational Therapy (also acceptable in lieu of Bachelor's/Master's)
• Preferred - Coursework/Training Training in Treatment of Adult Hemiplegia and Hand Therapy.
• Required - 1 year Experience in acute care, rehabilitation, or home care.
• Preferred - Home care experience.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

• Required upon hire: California Occupational Therapist License (Vendor Managed)
• Required within 30 days of hire: National Provider BLS - American Heart Association (Vendor Managed)

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The demands of this role necessitate a team member to effectively perform essential functions. Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 50 pounds. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected. Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential. This description provides a general overview and may vary by role and department, capturing the nuanced demands and conditions inherent to clinical positions in our organization.

At Compassus, including all Compassus affiliates, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success. We are committed to creating a fair work environment where our team members feel welcomed, highly valued, and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Compensation range: $52.25 - $81.10

The amounts listed are the base pay range; additional compensation may be available for this role, such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonus opportunities

Compassus offers a comprehensive benefits package including, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k and much more.