The Occupational Therapist performs comprehensive evaluations, sets measurable goals, and plans and implements patient treatments appropriate to the patient's age and diagnosis, acting as a resource to Occupational Therapy Assistants. Duties also include timely and accurate documentation, coordinating care through conferences, and recommending necessary equipment for optimal functioning and safety.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be graduates of an ACOTE accredited occupational therapy program with certification by NBCOT and hold active Illinois licensure or eligibility, possessing excellent interpersonal and computer skills, including EMR knowledge. The role requires working on a PRN basis, providing care to adult and geriatric patients under administrative direction.
At Insight Hospital and Medical Center Chicago, we believe there is a better way to provide quality healthcare while achieving health equity. Our Chicago location looks forward to working closely with our neighbors and residents, to build a full-service community hospital in the Bronzeville area of Chicago; creating a comprehensive plan to increase services and meet community needs. With a growing team that is dedicated to delivering world-class service to everyone we meet, it is our mission to deliver the most compassionate, loving, expert, and impactful care in the world to our patients. Be a part of the Insight Chicago team that provides PATIENT CARE SECOND TO NONE! If you would like to be a part of our future team, please apply now! GENERAL SUMMARY:
Works under the administrative direction of the director of rehab services and the direct supervision of the supervisor of occupational therapy. Works on a prn basis providing care appropriate to the age of the patient defined by the following: Adult (19-60 years); geriatric adult (61 years to the end of life). Works with occupational therapy assistants and other qualified department staff. Acts as a resource to occupational therapy assistants.
These duties are to be performed in a highly confidential manner, in accordance with the mission, values and behaviors of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center. Employees are further expected to provide a high quality of care, service, and kindness toward all patients, staff, physicians, volunteers and guests.
Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Duties
Performs Occupational therapy evaluations.
Demonstrates ability to interpret physician’s referrals. Can identify precautions and contraindications in frequently referred diagnoses. Seeks guidance from higher level staff for clarification in more complex situations
Obtains all pertinent information from the patient or patient chart prior to initial evaluation including past medical history, present medical or surgical interventions. Consults with the physician, nurse, and Level II OT for further clarification as needed. Consults with the supervisor when appropriate.
Chooses and applies appropriate evaluation procedures as defined by each unit.
Demonstrates competency and accuracy in performing basic evaluation procedures on frequently referred diagnosis. Seeks guidance from Level II OT when performing in more complex situations.
Demonstrates ability to assess general mental, emotional, and cognitive status in frequently referred cases.
Obtains current subjective information from the patient including the patient’s understanding of their diagnosis, chief symptoms/complaints, status prior to diagnosis, functional limitations, previous treatment and social history.
Independently sets and documents measurable short term and long term goals for all diagnoses based on evaluation data for frequently referred diagnosis. For more complex diagnoses, seeks assistance from Level II therapists.
Completes OT evaluations for OT assistants before delegating them to the OT Assistant. Identifies and documents precautions, special problems, contraindications, goals, anticipated progress, and plans for re-evaluation. Re-evaluates and modifies plans of care and goals when necessary.
Completes documentation on a timely basis
Plans and implements patient treatments.
Reviews chart and/or obtain current information prior to each treatment session and usually recognizes information which may necessitate modification of OT treatment. Seeks guidance from appropriate personnel. Incorporates data obtained into a treatment session.
Utilizes subjective and objective evaluation results to plan a treatment program appropriate to the diagnosis or disability.
Progresses treatment in a timely manner for frequently referred diagnoses. Seeks guidance with treatment progression from Level II OT’s when necessary. Acts as a resource for OT Assistants.
Evaluates patient response to treatment and revises goals, treatment and plan as appropriate. Seeks guidance when appropriate.
Recognizes abnormal physiological and psychological changes and reports these to appropriate personnel. Seeks guidance for questionable situations. Document incidences with assistance.
Instructs patient, health care provider and family regarding patient’s participation in physical therapy program.
Involves patients and families as appropriate in treatment planning and discharge.
Includes occupational therapy recommendations for discharge. Consults with Level II OTs regarding occupational therapy resources in the community.
Recommends (for use while in the hospital and/or at discharge) necessary durable medical equipment or other therapeutic devices that promotes optimal functioning and patient safety. Seeks guidance from Level II OT for equipment selection and most cost effective materials
Utilizes appropriate modalities that include but are not limited to heat, cold, ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Utilizes therapeutic exercise and mobilization as well as exercise equipment.
Is able to present rationale for selection of a particular procedure.
Participates in individual patient care conferences, team conferences, clinics, and rounds for the purpose of coordinating a patient's plan of care. Makes a concise verbal report regarding the patient's status when requested.
Incorporates safety, infection control and emergency procedures into the patient’s treatment. Uses universal fluid precautions at all times.
Completes documentation on a timely basis.
Administrative and Organizational Duties
Has a thorough knowledge of policies and procedures
Frequently refers to Policy & Procedure Manual in carrying out job responsibilities
Arranges schedule to effectively participate within the Registry Staff pool, which may include weekend, holiday and/or evening shift rotations.
Carries a patient load that reflects the productivity standard of the unit.
Demonstrates appropriate written communication.
Is responsible for written documentation that includes but is not limited to initial evaluations, progress notes, home programs, discharge summaries, statistical reporting, charges and interdisciplinary forms.
All documentation is to be legible, inclusive, concise, accurate and grammatically correct.
Maintains timely and accurate department records according to departmental policies and procedures. Informs supervisor if paperwork gets behind.
Documentation meets the standards of the department, outside regulatory agencies and insurance agencies.
With assistance, completes variance reports.
Participates in performance improvement.
Contributes to the quality improvement process as assigned.
Completes clinical competencies as determined by the unit.
Participates in departmental administration.
Attends mandatory unit and departmental meetings unless formally excused. Reports to meetings on a timely basis.
Appropriately delegates responsibilities to support personnel and occupational therapy assistants.
Informs supervisor about significant developments in the following areas: unusual patient or physician problems, equipment problems, incidence of injury to patient or self.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Checks that department equipment is in working condition and meets safety standard prior to use in treatment. Reports defective equipment to Supervisor or OT II promptly and initiates work orders as appropriate.
Utilizes hospital equipment and supplies in a cost effective and respectful manner.
Maintains a clean work environment.
Teaching Responsibilities
Teaching responsibilities with the patient or family.
Explains the role of therapy and rationale for intervention to the patient, family or other caretakers.
Provides written materials as an adjunct to verbal communication.
Utilizes audiovisual resources in the department to enhance instruction. Investigates and recommends new materials to the unit supervisor.
Teaching responsibilities with the staff.
May participate in orienteering, teaching, guiding and evaluating the performance of the supportive staff.
May provide lectures to personnel and community groups as requested.
Teaching responsibilities with students.
Offers educational or observational experiences to students as requested.
Participates in career days as requested.
Educational Responsibilities
Identifies own learning needs and searches out educational experiences to meet own needs.
Attends hospital orientation.
Attends mandatory in-services as assigned (including but not limited to Annual Safety Fair, Annual Competency Assessment Training and Customer Service Training).
Meets licensure and accreditation standards for participation in continuing education. Documents attendance on the professional education record.
Seeks to stay current on issues involving Occupational Therapy (i.e. reads journals, researches clinical questions, attends AOTA and/or ILOTA functions).
Maintains current CPR certification according to department policy.
Required knowledge, skills and abilities
Graduate of an ACOTE accredited occupational therapy program with a Certificate, B.S., MSOT or OTD degree. Certification by NBCOT, Active Illinois licensure or eligibility.
Excellent interpersonal skills
Good computer knowledge/skills
EMR knowledge
Insight Employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs. Insight is an equal opportunity employer and values workplace diversity!
