Occupational Therapist

Independence Plus is now hiring an Occupational Therapist for our adult and pediatric home nursing patients in the Chicago, IL area. This position reports to the Director of Nursing. Full benefits available; PTO, medical, dental, vision coverage and 401(k) plan.

The occupational therapist is responsible for providing occupational therapy services to patients in their homes. Responsibilities include developing and following the plan of care, providing treatments, providing timely documentation, and working collaboratively with the members of the clinical team to ensure that maximum outcomes are attained by each patient.

Essential Job Functions / Responsibilities

Provides occupational therapy services to patient according to a written physician’s order. This may include, but will not be limited to:

A. Assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status/cognitive issues/visual issues, and development of the total plan of care.

B. Evaluating the home environment/home safety evaluation.

C. Assessing muscle function, coordination, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability (ADLs and IADLs), and work capacity.

D. Assessing the patient’s potential for rehabilitation.

E. Directing the occupational therapy treatment and plan of care.

F. Providing patient and family/caregiver education – home exercise program (HEP), functional mobility, self-care, fine motor skills, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, energy conservation techniques, visual coordination, and work capacity.

G. Identifying equipment needs and instructing patient and family/caregiver in the use and care of therapeutic equipment.

H. Determining priority needs for occupational therapy.

I. Reporting patient’s response to treatment or changes in condition to the patient’s Physician and to the appropriate Independence Plus team members.

Completes initial and ongoing assessments to determine level of function, including Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) assessments at appropriate time intervals (re-certifications, transfers, discharges).

Provides patient care in a way that satisfies patients and families, meets or exceeds standard OT practice, State, Federal, and CHAP guidelines.

Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and obtains referrals as indicated.

Prepares and submits clinical notes and progress summaries by noon the following day and delivers originals to the office or mails with a postmark of the following day.

• Develops treatment program and establishes goals for improved function.
• Communicates plan of care to referring physician and other Independence Plus professionals.

May teach new skills or retrain patient in once familiar daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury, in accordance with company policy.

May fabricate splints and instruct patient in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function.

May train patient and patient’s family and caregivers in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.

Maintains and submits appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and reports to the physician any changes in the patient’s condition, in accordance with IPI policy.

Maintains contact/communication with other personnel involved in the patient’s care to promote coordinated, efficient care.

Attends and contributes to in-services, case conferences, and other meetings as required by IPI policy to ensure coordinated and comprehensive plans of care for IPI patients.

Instructs patient’s family/caregiver and other Independence Plus health care personnel in patient’s treatment regime when indicated and appropriate.

• Supervises Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants according to IPI policy and state regulations.
• Participates in discharge planning for patient.
• Follows all Policies and Procedures of IPI, State, Federal, and CHAP guidelines.

Possesses a valid driver’s license, maintains a good driving record, complies with all State, CHAP, and IPI requirements for safe vehicle maintenance, and promptly reports all on-the-job accidents to the Home Health Clinical Manager and Human Resources.

Requirements

Possesses a degree from an occupational therapy curriculum that has been approved by an accredited organization.

• Current state licensure as an occupational therapist.
• Two years of experience as a licensed occupational therapist – community or home health experience is preferred but not required.
• Demonstrates good verbal and written communication and organization skills.
• Possesses and maintains a current CPR certification.

If you have any questions, contact Tami Müller, Administrator & Agency Manager, at tmuller@independenceplus.com.

For more information about the work we do, and the difference you could make in the life of a patient, check us out on our website at independenceplus.com or view a video about our company at bit. ly.

About Independence Plus

Since 1985, Independence Plus has been a leading provider of in-home nursing, rehabilitation, and high-tech medical equipment and supplies.

We specialize in treating adult and pediatric patients with complex medical and respiratory needs, offering the highest quality one-on-one care (with 24/7 on-call support) so our patients are able to live at home and lead meaningful lives.

We are headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois and are certified by Medicare, accredited by CHAP, and state-licensed. Our coverage area includes most of northern Illinois, including Chicagoland and the Rockford area.