Occupational Therapist

Clinical Practice

• Completes appropriate assessment per physician's orders and diagnosis.
• Develops individualized treatment plan including time-based functional goals.
• Affirms reassessment of the patient and modification of the treatment plan according to objective findings.
• Communicates directly with the physician regarding any requests for changes to the physician-prescribed therapy.
• Safeguards the prescription is current.
• Supervises and oversees patient treatment planning with therapy assistants.
• Fulfills all practice act and regulatory guidelines for assistant supervision and patient management.
• Begins discharge planning at the time of evaluation.
• Incorporates skills learned at continuing education/in-services into daily practice.
• Utilizes a variety of appropriate evidence-based treatment techniques through individualized treatment planning to optimize outcomes.
• Instructs patients and families in therapeutic activities, provides hand-out materials when appropriate, and documents in the medical record.
• Communicates with patients and families in a way that is professional and appropriate to their level of understanding and need.

Department Operations

• Mets productivity expectation for assigned area.
• Proactively seeks to assist others when personal caseload is less than productivity expectation.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in managing caseload on a daily basis.
• Accepts responsibility/accountability and performs daily support activities when those personnel are not available.
• Actively and appropriately participates in meetings, program development, special projects, performance improvement, etc.
• Mets all defined deadlines (license, CPR, mandatory ins., TB).
• Holds self accountable for all information related to policy and regulatory guidelines presented in meetings, in-services, in writing and verbally.
• Follows team norms consistently for communication.
• Makes clear expectations when giving direction to support personnel.
• Collaborates with all disciplines/ancillary personnel to effectively manage patients.

Documentation

• Adheres to department policy times frames for completion of all paperwork (evaluations, notes and D/C summary).
• Completes within established guidelines, all documentation related to patient assessment tools used for outcomes and or regulatory compliance.
• Includes appropriate detail in documentation to support all billing charges and completes it in a timely fashion to meet payor requirements for prior authorization and continuation of treatment.
• Completes content of all documentation appropriate for diagnosis and condition (i.e. objective functional measures, special tests and minutes).
• Sigs/cosigns documentation appropriately per practice act and policy.

Professional Development

• Maintains professional membership and is encouraged to participate in organizational activities and meetings.
• After attending continuing education, presents an in-service that will enhance staff knowledge and skills, improve patient management, patient outcomes and promote fiscally responsible patient management.
• Serves as a clinical resource related to rehabilitation therapy for other staff throughout the organization and community.
• Maintains knowledge of clinical practice through literature review.
• Provides supporting reference articles when presenting in-services, case presentations, etc.
• Contributes to the overall effectiveness of the department: Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

Organizational Responsibilities

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Education And Experience

The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy. Occupational Therapist licensure in the State of Indiana. No previous experience is required. Previous acute medical care is beneficial.