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