Occupational Therapist (OT) - Outpatient (Days)

Position: Occupational Therapist I

Role Overview

The Occupational Therapist I position encompasses the delegation of responsibilities to Occupational Therapist Assistants and Aides. This role is inherently patient-centered, involving comprehensive assessment, strategic planning, targeted intervention, and meticulous evaluation, all conducted in alignment with occupational therapy standards, physician directives, and institutional policies.

Service Areas

Primarily focused on outpatient therapy, with occasional responsibilities in acute care settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients’ functional capabilities through both formal and informal assessment tools to establish a baseline for skeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, developmental, social, and cognitive functions.
• Formulate a tailored treatment regimen based on evaluative data and the patient's ability to adhere to prescribed therapies.
• Prepare and submit a detailed written treatment protocol integrated into the overall treatment plan, sanctioned by the supervising physician; revise this plan as necessitated by changes in patient condition and co-sign verbal instructions relayed to occupational therapist assistants when appropriate.
• Develop a patient-centric treatment schedule, specifying frequency and duration, and discuss this plan with patients, families, and caregivers while ensuring alignment with clinical support staff.
• Provide education to patients, families, and caregivers regarding their condition, potential treatment options, prognosis, and the rationale behind intervention strategies, utilizing modalities such as rest, exercise, and other therapeutic techniques.

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• Supervise Occupational Therapist Assistants, Home Health Aides, and students in accordance with affiliate and regulatory guidelines.

Additional Responsibilities

• Recommend and facilitate the acquisition of adaptive and supportive equipment based on assessment findings; coordinate with relevant suppliers to ensure timely procurement for patient use.
• Document patient, family, and caregiver responses to interventions and monitor changes in patient status in compliance with affiliate documentation policies and regulatory requirements.

Job Description

• Maintain accurate daily documentation necessary for billing as per affiliate protocols and regulatory standards.
• Deliver treatment interventions proficiently, aimed at optimizing patient functionality within the specific domain of care.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on home exercise programs, employing effective pedagogical techniques.
• Ensure clear and effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders to enhance the quality of care, including collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Promote professional education and development among colleagues, students, and healthcare professionals through relevant training methodologies.
• Engage in continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to program development efforts.
• Participate actively in team conferences and interdisciplinary discussions as required.
• Advocate for occupational therapy through community education initiatives.
• Assume case management responsibilities for designated cases.
• Exhibit a strong commitment to the affiliate's mission by demonstrating excellence in customer service, quality care, and teamwork.
• Uphold patient confidentiality and safeguard affiliate information.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licenses

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within one month of hire or transfer.
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification.
• Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR).

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

Experience, Training, and Skills

• A minimum of one year of experience is preferred; new graduates may be considered.
• Successful completion of orientation specific to the affiliate and proficiency in new hire competencies.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective verbal and written communication within diverse groups and at all levels.
• Capable of working autonomously while demonstrating problem-solving, organizational skills, time management, and initiative.
• Compliance with Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training annually following the Exposure Control Plan.
• Preparedness to operate in environments with potential exposure to communicable diseases and proficient in the use of personal protective equipment.
• Ability to fulfill essential job functions with reasonable accommodations.
• Competence in demonstrating and instructing selected treatment modalities to both professional and lay individuals.
• AOTA membership is preferred.