Occupational Therapist - Home Health (0.8 FTE)

0.8 FTE - 32 hours / week

Responsible for evaluation, planning, directing and administrating Occupational Therapy (OT) modalities to individuals that will promote independence and quality of life. Occupational therapy is prescribed by a licensed physician.

Develops an individualized plan of care for the patient in an effort to improve, sustain or restore independence to individuals who have had an injury, illness, disability or cognitive dysfunction.

The Occupational Therapist will assist patients to reach their maximum performance goals through learning life skills, develop or regain physical or mental functioning or adjust to disabilities by implementing programs involving manual arts and crafts, practice in functional, prevocational, vocational, and homemaking skills, activities of daily living, and sensorimotor, educational, recreational, and social activities.

Promotes maximum independence by selecting and constructing therapies according to individual's physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest.

Provides direct patient care in the home or setting where the patient refers to as home. The OT is under the direction of the Director or designee.

Performs detailed and accurate assessments utilizing a standardized assessment (OASIS) of patients and completes documentation in a timely and accurate manner according to home health policy and regulatory requirements.

Facilitates patient hand-offs and provides assistance to move the patient through the care continuum.

Works collaboratively with other members of the healthcare team, physicians, and the community emphasizing a teamwork environment.

Coordinates provision of patient care for assigned patients, maintains competency levels annually and attends continuing education as applicable.

Delegates appropriate tasks as needed. Works with the Director and/or Clinical Manager/Coordinator to assure patient visits are being provided as outlined in the plan of care.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: At least 2 years of Acute Care, Outpatient, Rehabilitation, Home Health, or other relevant experience required. Sufficient knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experience to demonstrate ability to work autonomously. Experience working in a Home and Community Based Program is a plus.

Education

Graduate of an approved school of Occupational Therapy or graduate of accredited college or university with a certificate in Occupational Therapy.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Current Montana State Occupational Therapy Licensure; BLS required

COMMUNICATION: Demonstrates good communication skills to facilitate implementation of quality core measures, attends meetings and weekly case conferences. Maintains open communication with the interdisciplinary team.

Maintains open communication with the Director and/or clinical coordinator in relation to patient assignments, responsibilities or patient concerns. Utilizes appropriate chain of command to collaboratively and proactively problem solve as needed.

Diffuses patient/family complaints prior to involving the Director or clinical coordinator. Attends education when offered related to competencies or changes in processes. Understands regulatory and compliance standards to assure the provision of safe, cost effective and quality care. Attends committee meetings as assigned by the Director.

ADAPTABILITY: Has a “can do” attitude, promotes team-work, and a no-blaming environment while setting the tone for the department by being a good role model. Maintains a positive attitude and flexibility regarding fluctuating patient census and staffing needs. Demonstrates critical thinking skills and actively completes assignments, documentation per agency policy. Able to prioritize and multi-task when the department gets busy. Remains calm during stressful times.

Responsibilities

Specific Duties

Conducts all OASIS time points and assessments in a timely manner according to regulatory guidelines. Serves as a team resource and assists staff members as available with difficult patient situations.

Understands the principles of patient education and health literacy to promote patient self-management skills and ADL/IADL functioning. Develops an individualized home plan of care. Conducts home safety evaluations. Provide evaluation/consultation visits with certified home health aides for bathing and safety.

Assesses the home environment for adaptive equipment needs. Provides OT to various types of patients which may include; dementia, learning disabilities and chronic diseases. Regularly attends staff meetings and educational programs as applicable or mandated. Effectively manages time and resources responsibly.

Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in providing quality care to home care patients. Effectively works with the Home Health Clinical Manager/Coordinator and/or Lead Physical Therapist.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: At least 2 years of Acute Care, Outpatient, Rehabilitation, Home Health, or other relevant experience required. Sufficient knowledge, critical thinking skills, and experience to demonstrate ability to work autonomously. Experience working in a Home and Community Based Program is a plus.

Education

Graduate of an approved school of Occupational Therapy or graduate of accredited college or university with a certificate in Occupational Therapy.

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRY: Current Montana State Occupational Therapy Licensure; BLS required.