Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Position

Responsible for managing the patient’s plan of care through direct delivery of service and through appropriate delegation and supervision of support personnel and within the professional scope of practice.

Upon physician referral the therapist develops and implements an individualized outcome-oriented treatment program utilizing the process of assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating. Goals are developed and services are delivered in an interdisciplinary patient-centered team approach.

Practice demonstrates compliance with St. Paul Elder Services, Inc. policies and procedures, federal/state accrediting/licensing standards, professional code of ethics, and is performed within the legal scope of practice.

Furthermore, services provided reflect current research and accepted practice protocols and is consistently delivered with excellence in quality to ensure customer satisfaction and continued professional growth.

The staff therapist supervises assistants, support personnel, students, and volunteers within the guidelines and directives of their specific profession.

Reports to: Director of Therapy Services

Education

Based on professional discipline standards.

Occupational Therapist

1. Minimum of Bachelor of Science Degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.

2. Current certification with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

3. Valid state license, evidenced upon the date of hire and throughout employment. (Any variations must be reported to Director of Therapy Services within 24 hours.)

4. State/National/Specialty organization memberships encouraged/recommended.

Physical Qualifications

1. Manual Dexterity-effectively manipulate and correctly use equipment related to personal job duties, telephone, writing tasks, computers, and office/medical equipment related to scope of practice.

2. Auditory-comprehend and effectively deliver verbal communication.

3. Visual-proficient use of office/medical equipment within job requirements.

4. Body Mobility-ability to push/pull, lift, and carry objects up to 50 pounds unassisted. Ability to bend, twist, stand, walk, sit, and drive. Ability to work at a fast pace. Occasional travel may be required.

5. Safety-will not be a risk to self, patients, or colleagues. Will be drug free.

General Qualifications

The therapist demonstrates quality performance in the delivery of services through a patient centered interdisciplinary team approach and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Recognize the concept of customer is multidimensional; including colleagues, physicians, members of other departments, family, visitors, and other community members-with the patient as the center of the customer-focus environment. Tact, professionalism, and diplomacy will be evident in all interpersonal communications. The therapist should be a strong patient advocate.

The therapist should be willing to participate as an outcome and solution focused team member with a flexible approach to organizational changes. Demonstrate a willingness and ability to learn new concepts, skills, and responsibilities and integrate the new learning into practice.

Essential Job Functions

1. Resident Care Management

To maximize meaningful and appropriate outcomes for each patient, the therapist will utilize the problem-solving process of assess, plan, implement, re-evaluate, and document accordingly.

1. Assess

• Per policy, contribute to initial, quarterly and change of status screens for all patients to ensure skilled therapy services are provided as indicated to improve function or prevent the loss of function.
• Upon physician’s referral for evaluation, collect information from the patient, family, nursing staff, medical record, etc. to assess prior level of function and rehabilitation potential.
• Based on diagnosis and current condition select and perform appropriate evaluations and assessment tools to best represent current patient status.

2. Plan

• Analyze and synthesize correctly the assessment data to determine functional status including realistic potential and deficits in function.
• Incorporate/assess the individual’s psychosocial status and needs as they pertain to and/or impact their rehab potential.
• Identify and document the patient’s goals.
• Develop a discharge plan based on patient’s needs/goals and prioritize problems to effectively meet or exceed the discharge plan.
• Develop functional outcomes that are realistic, measurable, and objective and are supported by measurable and objective short and long term goals.
• Recognize problems/deficits that are not within scope of practice or expertise and refer accordingly.
• Formally or informally collaborate and communicate with other team members to ensure a comprehensive patient-centered plan of care is developed and implemented.
• Within specific professional scope of practice, and utilizing current scientific practice, develop a therapy plan of care to address short and long term goals to accomplish the discharge plan.

100. Implement

• Using current, progressive treatment approaches, skillfully implement the treatment plan of care.
• Adapt the treatment environment to anticipate/meet the needs of the patient to ensure optimal benefit and performance.
• Incorporate functional time frames, environment and functional skills into the treatment program to maximize functional outcomes.
• Incorporate and involve the family/staff into the treatment process through teaching and training to ensure consistent, effective carry-over.

500. Re-Evaluate

• Throughout treatment, continually monitor the patient’s physical and emotional responses, progress, or lack of and modify treatment to enhance goal attainment and accomplish functional outcomes.
• Communicate both verbally as appropriate and in writing (per policy) a change in treatment goals/plans.

5. Document

• Consistent, effective, timely completion and compliance with documentation guidelines established per reimbursement requirements and departmental policy.
• Customer Service
• Is a positive representative of the facility/St. Paul Elder Services, Inc.
• Is pleasant, respectful, and courteous in all interactions with residents, families, staff, and visitors to the facility.
• Responds to the needs of patients, family and staff in a professional and timely manner.
• Actively participates in the promotion and maintenance of a collaborative, patient-centered team approach with all team members.
• Fiscal Management
• Charge medical supplies and treatments to patients appropriately.
• Participate in departmental budget processes as appropriate or requested.
• Quality Improvement
• Demonstrates commitment to continuous quality improvement in all job responsibilities.
• Participates in patient care and outcome studies as indicated to improve quality and effectiveness.
• Professionalism
• Awareness/adherence to established resident rights policy.
• Awareness/adherence to established professional code of ethics.
• Strong, effective patient advocate.
• Education
• Actively seek current research and knowledge as it relates to practice areas or potential new markets.
• Provide teaching/training to colleagues and facility support staff to advance knowledge and skills to ensure effective patient care and personal advancement.
• Contribute formally or informally to the continued growth and development of self and others through in-services, co-treatments, student clinicals, etc.
• Human Resources Management

1. Self

• Practice efficient time management and organizational skills.
• Meet productivity standards to ensure proficient delivery of skilled services.
• In conjunction with immediate supervisor, objectively assess knowledge and skill performance and establish a plan of action to address potential personal and professional growth areas.
• Actively participate/contribute to staff meetings, patient care conferences, facility committees, etc.
• Demonstrate a cooperative attitude and flexibility with needed work schedule changes, position responsibilities, and/or new policies/protocols in a professional manner.

2. Support Staff

• Promote a positive, calm, and effective work environment throughout the facility that contributes to staff recruitment and retention.
• Provide feedback and direction to support personnel with dignity and respect for the individual.
• Recognize the role support staff have within the facility and department and delegate tasks appropriately, within parameters of professional practice and in consideration of competency levels.
• Monitor and follow through with all delegated tasks.
• Safety
• Demonstrate knowledge of emergency policies and procedures.
• Perform all duties in a safe and efficient manner.
• Follow established guidelines when using physical restraints/protective devices and equipment.
• Demonstrate awareness of potential hazards and report unsafe conditions to appropriate facility staff to maintain safe environment for residents, family, and staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge of infection and exposure control. Adhere to guidelines for handwashing, universal precautions, and bloodborne pathogens to prevent the spread of disease and infection.