Occupational Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for providing specialized skills in assessment, plan of care development, and treatment to prevent dysfunction, restore function, and/or reverse the progression of pathology of the upper limbs. Through the use of formal mentoring and independent study, the therapist will exhibit proficient clinical judgment and therapeutic interventions for both surgical and non-surgical conditions. Rehabilitation will be inclusive of the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder complex, and cervical region.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Treatment:

• Evaluates, and re-evaluates, upper extremity diagnoses thoroughly identifying impairments, functional limitations and disabilities. Obtains and reviews medical, psychosocial, vocational, and avocational history along with other factors that may affect the rehabilitation process. Understands and follows precautions of each case. Determines prognosis and plan of care in collaboration with the patient and referring physician within the guideline of third party payers.
• Implements therapeutic interventions utilizing evidence-based practice; interpreting and applying clinical research/outcomes studies as well as collaboration with other therapists, physicians and mid-level providers to ensure proper progression occurs to provide the highest quality of care and best outcomes for patient.
• Develops, and regularly updates, patient education and home programs to maximize patient understanding of their diagnosis, expected outcomes, and fully engage them in their rehabilitation process. Partnering and aligning decisions with patient needs, wants, and preferences.
• Efficient and effective fabrication of orthoses. Follows proper principles for the patient fit, design, precautions and appropriate for conservative/surgical conditions.
• Takes and active role in managing schedule to ensure capacity requirements of the department are met. Consistent implementation of teamwork to ensure not only capacity but flow of the clinic is maintained.

Records and Reports:

• Prepares documentation and reports, assuring confidentiality of all records:
  • Evaluation including thorough assessment with functional and measurable goals.
  • Daily and Progress reports to include progression of treatment and clinical reasoning for need of skilled care.
  • All documentation to be completed and provided to physician/agencies within department time frame.
  • Completion of peer reviews/chart audits with written feedback.
  • Special reports as requested by the Director and/or Manager.

Professional Status and Public Relations

• Actively pursuing hand therapy certification. For new graduate occupational therapists, the goal is to sit for certification within two (2) years of eligibility and therapists who are eligible prior to their hire date to sit for certification within two (2) years of hire. Exceptions should be discussed and approved by department leadership.
• Maintains current professional knowledge of techniques and trends in the field through consistent communication with peers, physicians/mid-levels as well as independent study.
• Attends conventions, meetings, or special courses whenever possible and shares gained information with the department/facility personnel.
• Prepares and presents educational presentations to department and community groups as requested.
• Maintains positive public relationships with hand team, patients and community.

TEAMWORK

• Willingly provides coverage, volunteers assistance, and maintains workflows within department as needed without direct instruction/supervision.
• Works cooperatively and refrains from participating in negative conversations.
• Shares knowledge and insights with co-workers in a constructive manner.
• Works to solve problems and address conflicts with appropriate person directly before involving leadership or uninvolved peers.
• Is considerate of others in the work environment with regard to taking breaks or meal periods, use of computer and phone, noise level in the department, etc.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• Knows and complies with policies and procedures as enumerated in the Orthopedic One Employee Handbook and policies and procedures documents.
• Provides assistance and support to leadership in implementing policies and procedures as necessary.
• Actively participates in training, and conducting day to day work activity by adhering to all policies and procedures as enumerated in compliance and risk management programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education, Experience, Certification and Licensure Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy required; Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy preferred.Valid Occupational Therapy license in Ohio. Experience which supports preparation for certification as Certified Hand Therapist preferred. Valid CPR/AED certification required.