Occupational Therapist

Position Summary

The occupational therapist is a qualified professional person who directs, supervises, evaluates, and provides occupational therapy services to clients in the home as prescribed by the attending physician.

Essential Functions

Evaluates and establishes goals based on the client's current level of functioning and potential for improvement and performs re-evaluations as indicated

Guides and instructs the client in prescribed therapeutic, self-care, and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning

Establishes Household Management Routines

Records and reports to the physician the client's reaction to the therapy program or any changes in the client's condition through periodic written summaries

Instructs clients and their families in the use of prosthetic, orthotic, and assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)

• Instructs the family in the client's total occupational therapy program
• Instruct other health team personnel in the care of clients regarding occupational therapy
• Attends paramedical service meetings and combined paramedical and nursing service meetings
• Prepares clinical/progress notes on the day of the visit which are incorporated in the clinical record weekly
• Participates in staff development activities and in-service education
• Attends case conferences
• Supervises the occupational therapy assistant, as indicated
• Attends paramedical service meetings and combined paramedical and nursing service meetings
• Prepares clinical/progress notes on the day of the visit which are incorporated in the clinical record weekly

Communicates Effectively with All Those Providing Care

Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Clinical Coordinator to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel

Participates with staff, client, and physician in discharge activities and completes the Occupational Therapy discharge summary within the designated framework of the Agency policies

Notifies Agency of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings which will affect agreed services with the Agency.

Requirements

Education, Skills, and Experience Required

• Graduate of an occupational therapy school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the A.M.A. in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association or its equivalent
• Registered by the American Occupational Therapy Association
• Has at least one (1) year of institutional experience
• Licensed and/or registered by the state
• Preference of at least one (1) year of institutional experience
• Must be able to travel to prospective clients' residences
• Must have a car with required insurance coverage and a State driver's license
• Must be able to hear and speak in a manner understood by most people
• Must be able to stoop and bend
• Must be able to lift and carry effectively so as to be able to perform the above-listed functions

Other Responsibilities

Will assume other responsibilities deemed necessary and in the best interest of the organization as requested by the Clinical Coordinator or Executive Director