OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

POSITION TITLE: Occupational TherapistDEPARTMENT: Rehab TherapyEMPLOYEE REPORTS TO: Director of Rehabilitation Services/Rehab SupervisorSUPERVISES: N/AFLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt or ExemptEMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Part-Time, or Per DiemDESCRIPTION OF POSITIONThis job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, and other agencies with a clearunderstanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements inrelation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approvedjob description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonableaccommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essentialfunctions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.POPULATION SERVEDThe position involves direct patient care for a population of patients between the ages of18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise is requiredto serve this population.POSITION SUMMARYUnder the direction of the Director of Rehabilitation Therapy Services and/or Rehab Supervisor, the Occupational Therapist plans, organizes, develops, administers, directs,and supervises Occupational Therapy treatment in accordance with current applicablefederal, state, and local standards, regulations and guidelines. The individual in thisposition must have initiative and be innovative, and must possess a sense of responsibility,integrity and sound judgment, follow standards of proper conduct, and abide by facilitypolicies and standards of care. This position does provide direct patient care to, adult andgeriatric patients, including comprehensive assessment, treatment planning and provisionof therapy. The Occupational Therapist contributes to program development, qualityimprovement, program assessment, and departmental policy and procedure development.POSITION QUALIFICATIONSA graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and theAmerican Occupational Therapy Association. Registered with the National RegistrationExamination of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Two (2) years of clinicalexperience as an occupational therapist. Demonstrates good verbal and writtencommunication, and organization skills. Possesses and maintains current CPRCertification. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordancewith state/or organization requirements and is in good working order. Understands hospice philosophy; issues of death/dying. This position requires eligibility for state O.T. licensure(if applicable) in the state which he or she will practice, graduation from an accreditedschool of Occupational Therapy, eligibility to take or has passed the examination for Occupational Therapists administered by the NBCOT, and successful completion of theNational Registry Examination. Ability to communicate effectively with O.T. staff, interdisciplinary staff, visitors, patients, families and members of the community. CPRcertified required within 12 months of hireRequirementsDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESEvaluates patient's functional status (muscle function, endurance, visualcoordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, workcapacity, etc.). Evaluates home environment for hazards or barriers to moreindependent living. Identifies equipment needs. Participates in the development ofthe individualized plan of care.Develops treatment program and establishes goals for improved function.Communicates plan of care to referring physician and other organizationprofessionals. Also, as necessary, will develop program for caregiver's energy conservation.May teach new skills or retrain patient in once familiar daily activities that havelost due to illness or injury, in accordance with organization policy.May fabricate splints and instruct patient in the use of various types of adaptiveequipment to improve function.May train patient and family/caregiver in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.Maintains appropriate clinical records, progress notes, and reports to the physicianany changes in the patient's condition. Submits these records in accordance withorganization policy.Maintains contact/communication with team members in the patient's care topromote coordinated, efficient care.Attends and contributes to in-services, interdisciplinary group meetings, and other meetings as required by organization policy to ensure comprehensive assessmentsfor the patients of the organization.Instructs and educates patient's/family/caregiver and other team members inpatient's treatment regime.Participates in hospice personnel orientation program.Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams andactivities.Participates in discharge planning for patient.