Occupational Therapist I Acute I $10,000-$15,000 Sign On Bonus

Occupational Therapist

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Inpatient Rehabilitation Services, the Occupational Therapist is responsible for planning and implementing specific treatment programs for individual patients and patient groups according to the principles and practices of Occupational Therapy. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary treatment team.

Educational Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• B.S. or M.S., Doctoral degree from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Current Texas Occupational Therapy license.
• CPR Certification.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Able to evaluate and establish treatment plans for diverse patient populations and implement treatment to achieve functional goals.
• Good communication and teaching skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Potential for musculoskeletal injuries due to moving/lifting equipment and patients: potential for exposure to infectious process

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plans and administers medically prescribed occupational therapy treatment for patients suffering from injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability.
• Reviews physician's referral (prescription) and patient's condition and medical records to determine occupational therapy treatment required.
• Tests and measures patient's strength, motor development, sensory perception, functional capacity, and respiratory and circulatory efficiency, and records findings to develop or revise treatment programs.
• Plans and prepares written treatment program based on evaluation of patient data.
• Administers exercises to improve and maintain function.
• Selects activities which will help individual learn work skills within limits of individual's mental and physical capabilities.
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patient to perform various physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, daily-living activities, and in use of assistant and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Administers treatments involving application of physical agents, and therapeutic equipment, as allows by Texas Occupational Therapy practice act.
• Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
• Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's chart or enters information into patient's medical record, including electronic documentation.
• Maintains records as required by law, establishment's policy, and administrative regulations.
• Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
• Recommends changes in individual's work or living environment, consistent with needs and capabilities.
• Plans programs and social activities to help patients learn work skills and adjust to handicaps.
• Designs and constructs special equipment, such as splints and braces.
• Confers with physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate occupational therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care.
• Orients, instructs, monitors and directs work activities of assistants, aides, and students.
• May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on occupational therapy and related topics for medical staff, students, and community groups.
• Applies and operates department equipment according to established standards.
• Assists in maintaining a safe, clean and secured environment with well stocked supplies and properly functional equipment.
• Administers active and passive therapeutic treatment techniques, therapeutic massage, and modalities treatments.
• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.