Occupational Therapist

Experience

• One-year professional OT experience preferred, ideally in a healthcare facility (e.g., hospital, hospice, sports clinic, or extended care facility).
• Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: Possesses effective communication skills and the ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and educational experiences. Possesses good time management and work ethics. Possesses the ability to make independent patient care judgments and is self-directed. Presents a professional appearance and promotes a positive work environment. Demonstrates computer literacy. Can meet the physical requirements as outlined in this job description.
• GENERAL
• Accountabilities
• AND
• Essential
• FUNCTIONS: Patient rights and organizational ethics Ensure patient dignity and respect patient values. Operate within ethical standards. Participate in the treatment planning process, including discharge planning and regular evaluation and update of patient-centered treatment plans. Care of Patients Participate in the treatment planning process, including discharge planning and regular evaluation and update of patient-centered treatment plans. Plan and conduct scheduled occupational therapy group sessions/ programs, and individual sessions as needed, in accordance with the treatment plan, patients' daily priorities, and the unit's needs. Adapt group and individual activities and goals to meet patients' needs. Provide patient supervision during therapeutic trips when assigned. Assist with orienting patients and families to the rehab facility and program. Meet the patient's goals and needs and provide quality care by assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results, and determining occupational therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians or by prescription. Help patient develop or regain physical or mental functioning, or adjust to disabilities, by implementing programs involving manual arts and crafts; practicing functional, prevocational, vocational, and homemaking skills; activities of daily living; and sensorimotor, educational, recreational, and social activities; and directing aides, technicians, and assistants. Promote maximum independence by selecting and constructing therapies according to an individual's physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest. Prepare patient for return to employment by consulting with employers, determining potential employee difficulties, retraining employees, and helping employers understand necessary physical and job-related accommodations. Evaluate results of occupational therapy by observing, noting, and evaluating patients' progress; recommending and implementing adjustments and modifications. Assure continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing and instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs. Document patient care services by charting in patient and department records. Evaluate the safety of the home environment and recommend potential solutions to the patient/representative for identified concerns. Education Participate in patient teaching by working directly with the patient and family, as well as the interdisciplinary team, to identify and meet educational needs. Provide ongoing education to the patient and family as needed. Use equipment properly and seek training as necessary. Develop and promote educational and public service information programs in cooperation with the hospital and in consideration of the overall marketing strategy. Continuum of care Provide resources and support for patients before, during, and after treatment. Participate in discharge/aftercare planning by working with the interdisciplinary team to identify and meet patient/family needs as documented in the patient care plan. Participate in and/or facilitate community meetings, activity groups, and patient education groups. Participate in preparing the patient/family for discharge by providing necessary discharge teaching and documenting it. Report to the charge nurse or other appropriate staff all pertinent patient/unit observations/actions to ensure continuity of care. Complete discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences. Participate consistently in team meetings, reporting on the results of assessments and interventions, and planning for the continued treatment and discharge of patients and families. Participate in and conduct community and professional education programs as requested. Improving organizational performance Communicate results and trends to the supervisor. Provide the supervisor with ongoing feedback on concerns, improvements, changes, etc. Identify areas needing improvement and participate in facility Quality Improvement activities. Actively participate in a comprehensive program evaluation system. Surveillance, prevention, and control of infection Always use universal precautions to prevent and control infection. Complete the department's infection control competency. Recognize hazards of the job. Namely, exposure to communicable diseases. Management of the environment of care Ensure the facility is safe and report deficiencies to the supervisor. Management of human resources Complete all required competencies in accordance with program regulations. Keep current with CEU requirements to maintain licensure. Participate in the orientation of new employees. Management of information Ensure confidentiality of all information encountered. Complete routine paperwork within the prescribed time frames and efficiently document all required, pertinent, and meaningful observations and information on appropriate forms.
• Community
• Engagement: Participate in community outreach programs, health fairs, and educational initiatives to promote occupational therapy services and wellness as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.