Occupational Therapist

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

The Occupational Therapist is a qualified professional person who directs, supervises, evaluates, and provides Occupational Therapy Services to clients in the home as prescribed by the Attending Provider.

Qualifications

Graduate of an Occupational Therapy school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the A.M.A. in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association or its equivalent

Registered by the American Occupational Therapy Association

Has at least one (2) year of institutional experience

Licensed and/or registered by the applicable state, if required

Responsibilities

Evaluates and establishes goals based on the client's current level of functioning and potential for improvement and performs re-evaluations as indicated which are documented on the required form(s)

Guides and instructs the client in prescribed therapeutic, self-care, and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning

Establishes household management routines

Records and reports to the provider the client's reaction to the therapy program or any changes in the client's condition through periodic written summaries

Instructs clients and their families in the use of prosthetic, orthotic, and assistive devices (canes, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)

Instructs the family in the client's total Occupational Therapy program

Instructs other health team personnel in the care of clients regarding occupational therapy

Attends paramedical service meetings and combined paramedical and nursing service meetings

Prepares clinical/progress notes on the day of the visit which are incorporated in the clinical record weekly

Participates in staff development activities and in-service education

Attends case conferences

Supervises the Occupational Therapy Assistant, as indicated

Prepares clinical/progress notes and submits within Agency policies

Communicates effectively with all those providing care

Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the DON or designee to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel

Participates with staff, client, and provider in discharge activities and completes the Occupational Therapy Discharge Summary within the designated framework of the Agency policies

Notifies Agency of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings which will affect agreed services with the Agency

Organizational Relationship

Reports to DON

Special Requirements

Must have a car with required insurance coverage and a state driver's license or reliable transportation

Functional Abilities

Able to communicate verbally and in writing to the extent required by the position

Able to physically perform the duties required by the position

Able to travel to prospective clients' residences