Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist – Encore Rehabilitation, Inc.
Job  |

Location:

Huntsville, AL | Department: 14-OTR | Status:
Full Time

The Registered Occupational Therapist's role is to provide rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and mental disabilities. This will be done through purposeful activity that includes manual and creative skills, educational and recreational activities, facilitation techniques, developmental skills, and other techniques as applicable to the specific needs of the acutely and chronically ill. Treatment of patients aims to improve physical function and promote mental adjustment.

• Direct patient treatments.
• Maintain safety of patients while in the Occupational Therapy Department.
• Ensure organization and proper order of the treatment area.
• Maintain departmental and patient records.
• Monitor supplies used for extended care, physical disabilities, and stress management patients.
• Chart daily progress of patients.

Bending, stooping, lifting patients and equipment when necessary. Pushing patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers. Adjusting equipment to meet specific patient needs. Providing resistive exercise. Physical contact with patients is sometimes necessary. Being alert and attentive to detect patients’ reactions. Working under pressure and/or stress on occasion. Operating electrical equipment.

Desire to work with and for people with temporary and/or chronic mental, physical, or developmental disabilities. Knowledge of medical terminology to understand patient evaluation and to chart progress. Experience in various arts and crafts used to build strength, promote function, and enhance self-esteem and independence. Ability to organize activities and use supplies to support treatment programs. Firm kindness in dealing with patients.

Must maintain patient confidentiality. Versatility in dealing with a variety of patients and treatment programs.

The Registered Occupational Therapist must have completed an occupational therapy curriculum approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association, be licensed or eligible for licensure by the Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy, and be certified by the American Board of Certification.

No previous experience is necessary if educational requirements are met, but prior experience would be desirable.

Authority:
The Registered Occupational Therapist provides treatment only under written or verbal procedures as prescribed by a medical doctor or D.O.

• Evaluate patients referred to Occupational Therapy to determine current physical and functional status and assess potential benefit.
• Plan therapy programs for individual in-patients, individual out-patients, extended care center patients and group, and stress management patients.
• Evaluate, record, and report patient progress for review by other members of the rehabilitation team.
• Prepare and fit splints for functional upper and lower extremities as ordered.
• Requisition supplies and equipment.
• Provide a safe Occupational Therapy Department.
• Ensure economical use of hospital equipment and supplies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Source of workers:
Occupational therapy schools and classified ads in professional publications.

Supervised by:
Clinical Director.

Workers supervised:
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Aide, Occupational Therapy students, volunteers, and attendants.