Occupational Therapist; OT - Acute Care Pool

Overview

The Occupational Therapist evaluates patients based on physician referrals and assesses physical, perceptual, cognitive, social, and vocational abilities and their impact on activities of daily living. The therapist establishes and implements a plan of care, provides and/or fabricates assistive devices, monitors outcomes, and collaborates with physicians and care team to achieve optimum patient care.

• Interpret physician referrals and evaluate the patient’s physical, perceptual, cognitive, social, and vocational abilities and their impact on activities of daily living.
• Establish a plan of care and implement individualized treatment based on evaluation results, functional goals, and appropriate techniques. Provide and/or fabricate assistive devices and splints to enhance functional independence.
• Monitor and evaluate outcomes; adjust the treatment plan based on patient response and provide status updates to physicians and the care team. Identify factors affecting physical and psychosocial comfort and address these needs.
• Plan for and complete patient discharge, including written home programs, patient/family teaching, referrals for community services, transition planning within the continuum of care, and ordering equipment as indicated. Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve optimum patient care.
• Complete all required documentation following department policy and accreditation standards with appropriate co-signatures, including patient evaluations, progress notes, conference reports, and discharge summaries as appropriate. Record patient care and progress; complete daily statistics, billing, and scheduling. Apply insurance guidelines regarding authorization and number of visits. Maintain site/department productivity standards and adhere to billing and documentation policies, procedures, and timelines.
• Maintain a clean and orderly work area after treatment. Perform manual techniques, patient positioning, transferring and transporting duties using proper technique. Demonstrate skill in the use of modalities, exercise equipment, and other devices available in the area per department orientation; know indications and contraindications of modalities and exercises.
• Promote patient safety by participating in safety initiatives and following all safety and infection control measures relevant to the working environment.
• Participate in performance improvement activities to identify and resolve problems affecting patient care outcomes and improve care quality. Manage assigned caseload and coordinate coverage with site leadership as needed.
• Pursue professional growth through continuing education, department in-services, and reading professional literature. Orient new staff to clinical and department policies as requested. Participate in evaluating co-workers by providing feedback as requested.
• May supervise occupational therapy assistants and rehab aides/techs in accordance with state and local compliance requirements, including delegation and ongoing supervision, while maintaining responsibility for patient plans of care and goals. May supervise occupational therapy students after one year of clinical experience.

• Education
  Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program or equivalent in accordance with graduation date; maintains continuing education requirements as mandated by applicable state standards.
• Certification / Registration / License
  Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of practice. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (AHA) obtained within 90 days unless department leader determines it is not required.
• Work Experience
  No experience required.
• Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
  Intermediate computer skills; excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills; strong decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Completion of competency assessments for patient care and adherence to site standards. Ability to meet hospital educational requirements for certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF). Knowledge of growth and development principles across the lifespan and the ability to assess data relevant to…