Occupational Physical Therapist Per Diem

About the Role

The Staff Occupational Therapist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians, and other health team members, and maintains documentation of services in the medical records. They also conduct in-services and training for facility staff on an ongoing basis.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate residents to determine occupational therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
• Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and functional independence.
• Assist the nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
• Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants in direct resident care and resident-related activities, following state practice acts.
• Communicate regularly with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
• Participate in Resident Care conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
• Provide in-services and training programs for other staff in the facility as needed.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
• Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
• Recommend and facilitate the ordering of necessary durable medical equipment for residents to facilitate independence in ADLs (e.g., adaptive equipment, splints, assistive devices, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars).
• Maintain confidentiality of residents' information as well as company information.
• Report any problems with department equipment to ensure it is maintained in good working order.
• Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy; preference for graduates of Masters or Doctorate Programs in Occupational Therapy.
• Proficient in computer skills, including data input into programs like Net Health and Point Click Care.
• Licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the state, with maintenance of continuing education requirements and a license in good standing.
• CPR certification, if required by licensure.

Skills

• Ability to read and comprehend technical procedures, policy and procedure manuals, and effectively present information to managers, coworkers, and families.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.

Physical Demands

The role requires frequent standing, walking, and occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. It involves reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and manipulating objects and equipment, with occasional exertion exceeding 100 pounds, frequent exertion exceeding 50 pounds, or constant exertion exceeding 20 pounds. Effective communication and the ability to perceive and respond to environmental cues are essential.

Work Environment

The work environment is typically low to moderate in noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions, in compliance with applicable laws.