Staff Occupational Therapist

Job Summary and Scope

The Occupational Therapist provides quality direct patient care services according to the standards of the Maine Occupational Practice Act. Participates in the efficient operations of the Rehabilitation Department and supports all the hospital policies and procedures relevant to this position.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs patient care duties in assigned work areas as directed by the Director of Rehabilitation.
• Adheres to hospital and departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Provides guidance and direction to those assigned to assist.
• Attends meetings/rounds as required and participates on committees as requested.
• Assists in evaluation of equipment and supplies and recommends purchases when appropriate.

Maintains an active patient care schedule showing skill in assessing/evaluating patient needs, formulating and carrying out a plan of treatment that is appropriate and documentation of such.

Is able to perform quality of work with a minimum of supervision contributing to the department according to experience, education and training.

Stays within authority and abilities and recognizes knowledge limitations, seeking assistance when indicated.

Works Collaboratively with Physicians and Departmental Staff

Assumes responsibility for own growth and development.

Takes advantage of learning opportunities by attending in-services education, continuing education seminars and attends at least one continuing education seminar per year, as approved by the hospital.

Demonstrates responsiveness to comments on specific growth areas needing improvement according to last evaluation.

• Is a responsible member of the hospital by supporting and adhering to the policies and procedures of DECH.
• Is flexible and cognizant of the hospital needs in relation to work schedule.
• Maintains professional appearance and adheres to hospital and departmental dress code.
• Communicates effectively in a meaningful and diplomatic way and presents oneself professionally.
• Consistently performs work duties and does not deviate to personal activities.
• Promotes team concept showing tact and understanding when dealing with all persons following the proper communication channels and chain of command as appropriate.
• Completes assigned tasks in a timely, efficient, and accurate manner.
• Shows orderly and neat work habits.
• Productivity level is set at 25 quarter-hour units per day.
• Performs other duties as requested by Director of Rehabilitation recognizing personal limitations in taking on extra tasks.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

*DECH is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Must be a graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy education program.

Must hold a valid State of Maine License to practice Occupational Therapy. Experience preferred.

Must be able to provide competent patient treatment and have good documentation skills. Must be proficient with computer applications.

• Must have valid driver’s license to provide own transportation between clinics.
• Ability to work independently.

Physical Effort and Environment

Clinical: Works inside. Frequently lifts up to 25 pounds independently. Occasionally lifts up to 25 pounds with assistance. Frequently pushes/pulls 25 pounds. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Able to reach over-head. Color vision. Repetitive walking, standing, sitting, or maneuvering equipment to accomplish tasks. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Exposure RISK

Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.

Quality Improvement

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Develops and implements appropriate quality improvements for the department.

Develops quality initiative projects and the methods necessary for initiating, testing, data collection, analysis, and reporting the effectiveness of the project.

Establishes indicators to monitor departmental service in response to complaints, identified problems, variances, sentinel events, or new services as well as patient outcome oriented indicators for high volume and/or high risk services.

Reports all Quality Improvement activities, measurements and results according to the established reporting structure.

• Participates in the annual review of the Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Program.
• Participates as a member of functional and/or process improvement team as appropriate to position or requested.
• Provides Quality Improvement orientation, training, and continuing education for all departmental staff.
• Involves all departmental staff members in the Quality Improvement Program’s plans and processes.
• Is accountable for identification and mitigation of risks and hazards within the department.

Compliance

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.
• Educate, train, and supervise staff on all related compliance issues.