Occupational Therapist

Essential Functions

Abides by and supports 3HC's Compliance Program and Code of Ethics. 3HC's Compliance motto is "Compliance for all and all for Compliance". It is the intent of 3HC to comply with all applicable laws and regulations and that spirit is embedded in all aspects of our services and business practices. Our success hinges on doing things ethically and legally, to which, each and every employee plays a critical role.

Creates positive experiences for internal and external customers that will meet their expectations. (External customers include our patients, families, referral sources, vendors, the community, etc. Internal customers are the people within the agency with whom you work.) Displays a high degree of courtesy, tact, and knowledge of services provided by the agency in all contact with staff, patients, and visitors.

Manages assigned cases and assists office with achieving positive patient outcomes, strategic plan and budget: (a) provides occupational therapy care as outlined in the physician's plan of treatment, according to 3HC's policies and procedures and as allowed by the Practice Act of the N. C. Board of Occupational Therapy, (b) assures the development and implementation of the patient individualized plan of care and updates as needed. Consults with the attending physician concerning alteration of the plan of treatment and documents, in writing, appropriate change of orders where necessary, (c) verifies that MD listed on orders/POT will sign off on orders. (d) delivers quality treatment services to patients in accordance with accepted standards of practice and effective for the condition, which the patient suffers, (e) selects and teaches task-oriented therapeutic activities to restore "independent" functioning, as well as providing direct rehabilitative services under insurance and reimbursement guidelines and maintains records, via clinical and progress reports, for each visit, (f) Plans, evaluates, implements and teaches patients and family members to provide for a continuous therapeutic activity programs during care and discharge, (g) evaluates the effectiveness and outcomes of care and identifies barriers to desired outcomes. Set goals related to the needs of the patients, (h) educates, consults and teaches other agency personnel, family members and significant others, designated facilitators, and other organizational personnel in methods of assisting the patients according to a written plan of treatment, (i) designs and fits orthotic and self-help devices. Evaluates equipment needs to increase functional and independence levels. Instructs patients and their families in the use of these devises and other treatment modalities, and (j) evaluates equipment needs to increase patient's functional and independence levels and assumes responsibility for equipment out for patient use.

Conducts a complete assessment of the patient to identify appropriate care needs: (a) Assesses, reports, and documents patient's status and progress on appropriate Agency laptop and to the health care team; (b) completes initial and on-going re-assessments to determine level of functioning and evaluation of patient/family response to therapy, including OASIS assessments at appropriate time points. (c) Identifies the problem and performs therapeutic treatments as prescribed the patient's physician, (d) develops and revises a plan of treatment and care as indicated in collaboration and consultation with the physician, ITC members, and other health, (e) develops and instructs Agency staff and family members in maintenance therapy programs and therapeutic treatments as approved by the physician, and (f) creates Home Health Aide care plans as needed

Provides regular supervision to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant at a minimum of 30 days and a certified nursing assistant at a minimum of 14 days as appropriate in carrying out the plan of treatment as established by the therapist. Ensures supervisory visit is competed per agency policy and procedure.

Prepares and maintains appropriate clinical and administrative records in a prompt and comprehensive manner, documenting patient limitations/interventions and progress. Timely records all assessment and evaluation data, treatments and patient's response to therapy intervention. Completes paperwork within 24 hours of visit, and communicates daily. Responds to e-mail requests for documentation correction/completion within 48 hours. Assesses and accurately documents patient status related to OASIS information.

Maintains regular communication with supervisor and/or ITC: (a) communicates problems of the patient(s) on a timely basis following chain of command, (b) utilizes current process and technology available to 3HC, (c) collaborates with supervisor to meet assigned productivity standard and (d) ) ensures referrals are evaluated timely with a NPU rate of less than 6%.

Travels to other offices to meet the demand of patient needs as requested by Director of Clinical Services/Assistant Director of Clinical Services.

Ensures that 3HC can bill for services appropriately: (a) completes certifications and re-certifications within designated timeframes; and (b) keeps up-to-date on reimbursement criteria and documentation requirements for all patients under his/her care and management, including preauthorization and re-authorizations for insurance.

Stays abreast of overall patient care and improves Occupational therapy skills: (a) participates in office staff meetings, rehab meetings, patient care conferences, record audits, utilization reviews, clinical record review, quality improvement activities, and in-services; (b) attends and participates in interdisciplinary team conferences at least 75% of the time; (c) attends agency mandatory in-services and satisfies CEU requirements of the N. C. Board of Occupational Therapy; and (d) strives to improve Occupational therapy care through continuing education, active participation in professional and related organizations and individual research and readings, and (e) maintains specialized hospice training , if necessary.

Demonstrates a willingness to be cost effective in the use of agency resources, the monitoring of waste, and the proper and safe use of supplies and equipment.

Adheres to 3HC's Personnel Policy and performs other appropriate duties as assigned by supervisor to promote the successful operations and future growth of 3HC.