Occupational Therapist $52.00-$57.00

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. Conducts 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 nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
• Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants in direct resident care and resident-related activities, following state practice act.
• 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 on 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 so that it is maintained in good working order.
• Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
• Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA), aides, and students.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy; preference for graduates of Master’s or Doctorate Program in Occupational Therapy.
• Licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the state.
• Must maintain continuing education requirements per state practices and a license in good standing with the state board.
• CPR certification, if required by licensure.
• Proficient in computer skills, including data input for Net Health and Point Click Care.

Skills

• Ability to read technical procedures, policy, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from 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.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk frequently, sit occasionally, and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed for resident care and equipment operation.
• Ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment, with exertion that may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds to safely move residents or equipment.
• Effective communication, including talking and hearing, to interact with residents, families, and the healthcare team.
• Ability to perceive and respond to environmental cues, including tactile, auditory, and visual information, essential for safe and effective resident care.
• Assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.

Work Environment

The work environment is usually low to moderate noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.