Occupational Therapist: Per Diem

Summary of Responsibilities

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for assessing residents’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial abilities and developing individualized treatment plans that promote independence in daily living activities.

This role involves administering therapeutic interventions to enhance function, fabricating and training residents in the use of adaptive equipment, and guiding participation in rehabilitation and prevocational programs.

The therapist collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to support holistic care planning, educates residents and families on therapeutic techniques and home safety, and ensures all services are delivered in compliance with regulatory and professional standards.

Accurate documentation, staff training, and ongoing professional development are also essential components of the role.

Essential Functions/Duties

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of residents’ physical, cognitive, and psychosocial status.
• Develop and implement individualized occupational therapy plans to promote independence in activities of daily living (ADLs), including dressing, grooming, eating, and mobility.
• Administer therapy to support neurological integration, sensorimotor skills, and functional independence.
• Design and fabricate splints and adaptive equipment as needed or prescribed.
• Provide training in adaptive techniques and equipment used for daily living and home safety.
• Educate residents and their families on therapeutic techniques, adaptive tools, and home programs.
• Monitor and document progress toward therapy goals; adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Guide residents in rehabilitation and prevocational programs to support skill development.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including nursing, physical therapy, and social services, to support holistic care planning.
• Participate in care conferences, interdisciplinary meetings, and patient support groups.
• Provide in-service training for staff on resident care techniques and safety measures.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with Medicare, Medicaid, and facility standards.
• Ensure therapy services are delivered in compliance with safety, professional, and regulatory standards.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Participate in and complete all required ongoing training, including monthly online and in-person training, annual skills competencies education, and role-specific certifications, to ensure continued competence and adherence to organizational and regulatory standards.

Supervisory Responsibility

• Oversee Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, aides, and students in patient care.

Required Skills & Abilities

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Empathy, patience, and a passion for working with older adults.
• Excellent organization, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and adaptive equipment use.
• Customer service-oriented approach.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

• This position requires the ability to work during nonstandard hours including evenings (depending on shift assigned), weekends, holidays, and during inclement weather.

Hours and Benefits

• Position is a per-diem position with no guaranteed hours or guaranteed shift assignment.
• Position is not benefits eligible.
• Position requires at least one summer and one winter holiday.
• Position is required to work across all levels of care on The Highlands at Wyomissing®

Travel

• May involve occasional travel within the facility or between buildings to deliver therapy services.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.
• Current Occupational Therapist license in the state of Pennsylvania (Required)
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a senior care or long-term care setting (Preferred)
• Current CPR/ BLS certification (Required)
• Completion of the Highlands Hearthstone Ambassador training within 30 days of employment (Required)

Work Authorization/Security Clearances

• Medical Screening
• Criminal History Clearance
• FBI Fingerprint Clearance (Only required if you have not lived in PA for the last 2 years)
• Immigration and naturalization (I-9) Clearance
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License and acceptable MVR (if operating company vehicle)

Physical Requirements and Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit for extended periods of time throughout the workday.
• Must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds regularly, and assist with resident transfers or repositioning as needed.
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination sufficient to operate therapy equipment and tools, document electronically, and assist with splinting or adaptive device fabrication.
• Visual and auditory acuity to observe residents, assess treatment effectiveness, and respond to verbal cues and alarms.
• Physical stamina to manage a moderate to high caseload in a fast-paced environment.

Safety Hazards and Physical Environment

• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and bodily fluids due to resident contact.
• Risk of musculoskeletal strain or injury when assisting with patient mobility or handling equipment.
• Possible exposure to hazardous cleaning chemicals or materials used in therapy treatment areas.
• Need for vigilance in preventing falls, trips, or other injuries in therapy and resident care areas.

• Work is performed primarily in a senior living community setting, including assisted living, memory care, and/or skilled nursing units.
• Exposure to various environmental conditions, including noise, fluctuating temperatures, and strong odors commonly associated with healthcare settings.
• Interaction with older adults experiencing physical and cognitive impairments, requiring empathy, patience, and adaptability.

• Use of standard rehabilitation and medical equipment (e. g., therapy mats, wheelchairs, lifts, resistance bands, splinting materials).