2nd Annual Fund Raiser

Career Center

JOB TITLE: Occupational Therapist

REPORTS TO: Rehab Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY: A professional who provides skilled intermittent services to patients in their residences. The therapist evaluates, plans and implements care to improve and/or restore functions which have been impaired by illness or injury. Confers with physicians and other members of the health care team to formulate realistic goals and evaluate therapy program.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Willingness to understand, support and implement in practice the philosophy, objectives and policies of the agency.
  • Knowledge of current professional practice applicable to the care of assigned patients.
  • Skill in the application of therapy process and current techniques to meet patient and family needs.
  • Ability to set priorities and problem solve.
  • Good physical and mental health to meet the demands of the position.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Education and Experience:

  • Current registration to practice occupational therapy in the state of Michigan.
  • Certification by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
  • One year work experience as an Occupational Therapist.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provides initial and ongoing comprehensive skilled care to the patient as ordered by the physician and under the supervision of the Rehab Coordinator. Skilled therapy services require that the therapist have the ability to:
    • Communicate effectively by phone, in person, and via documentation in a timely manner to client/family, physician, interdisciplinary team, supervisor and community agencies as mandated by agency policy.
    • Perform comprehensive assessment of patient and environment including Outcome and Information Set (OASIS) assessments to determine appropriateness and level of skilled care. This may include the physical demands of:
      • turning, transferring, medium lifting, carrying or moving at least 50 lbs;
      • visibly assessing (appearance, color, consistency, depth, etc.) physical data; mobility
      • olfactory acuity necessary to identify odors specific to infections or diseases;
      • tactile dexterity necessary to discern temperature and neuro/circulatory status.
    • Compile and interpret physical assessment data, prioritize problems, and communicate findings to physician and interdisciplinary team.
    • Demonstrate emotional stability by responding appropriately to scheduling demands, unusual situations, and emergencies.
    • Perform skilled therapy functions (IE Medicare Treatment Codes) as assigned by Rehab Coordinator.
    • Perform CPR correctly (i.e. -must possess physical ability to move victim to the floor and deliver sufficient breaths and chest compressions until help arrives).
  • Formulates, implements, and evaluates a plan of care for each assigned patient admitted to agency and revising as necessary.
  • Completes all clinical opening visit paperwork and progress notes according to policy.
  • Assesses the necessity of referrals to other services within the agency and the community.
  • Counsels and teaches patient and family toward meeting needs and setting goals that will assist the patient in achieving the optimal state of independence and planning for the discharge of services.
  • Accurately records every home visit according to policy.
  • Informs Rehab Coordinator of significant changes in patient's condition
  • Identifies and evaluates the effectiveness and outcomes of care.
  • Provides therapeutic treatments and evaluates equipment needs to increase functional level of the patient.
  • Records visits and mileage accurately on visit report.
  • Prepares certification, updates, and re-certification documentation according to policy.
  • Coordinates services by maintaining communication with the other disciplines involved in the care of the patient.
  • Supervises the Home Health Aide according to policy, when OT is the primary discipline on the case.
  • Participates in in-service programs, staff development, assigned meetings, and Utilization Review activities.
  • Maintains current registration.
  • Follows all agency policies including all federal and state regulatory mandates.
  • Demonstrates the proper use, care, and handling of issued equipment.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Performs additional duties as assigned by the Rehab Coordinator.