Job Title/Position: Occupational Therapist
Reports To: Clinical Supervisor
JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The occupational therapist contracted or employed is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for occupational therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Service or Employment Agreement. All care provided is within the scope of the Occupational Therapy Practice Act.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Evaluates patient's functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc.). Evaluates home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living. Identifies equipment needs. Participates in the development of the individualized plan of care.
2. Develops treatment program and establishes goals for improved function. Communicates plan of care to referring physician and other organization professionals. Also as necessary will develop program for caregivers energy conservation.
3. May teach new skills or retrain patient in once familiar daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury, in accordance with organization policy.
4. May fabricate splints and instruct patient in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function.
5. May train patient and family/caregiver in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.
6. Maintains appropriate clinical records, progress notes, and reports to the physician any changes in the patient's condition. Submits these records in accordance with organization policy.
7. Maintains contact/communication with team members in the patient's care to promote coordinated, efficient care.
8. Attends and contributes to inservices, interdisciplinary group meetings, and other meetings as required by organization policy to ensure comprehensive assessments for the patients of the organization.
9. Instructs and educates patient's/family/caregiver and other team members in patient's treatment regime.
10. Participates in hospice personnel orientation program.
11. Actively participates in quality assessment performance improvement teams and activities. 12. Participates in discharge planning for patient.
The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
1. A graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association. Meets personnel qualifications stated in §418.114(b)(5).
2. Registered with the National Registration Examination of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
3. Two (2) years of clinical experience as an occupational therapist.
4. Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills. 5. Possesses and maintains current CPR Certification.
6. Must be a licensed driver with an automobile that is insured in accordance with state and/or organization requirements and is in good working order.
7. Understands hospice philosophy; issues of death/dying.