OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

About the role

The staff occupational therapist is responsible for the evaluation of patient’s functional status and needs, and the design and implementation of a corrective treatment plan according to the principles and practice of occupational therapy. This includes continuous assessment of the patient’s progress and modification of the plan and goals as necessary, collaborative consultation with other health care professionals and maintenance of accurate and timely medical and business records. The occupational therapist may have supervisory responsibilities over the clinical activities of O.T. assistant and up to one affiliating student per year. Participation in departmental quality improvement activities, community outreach and program development is also required.

Responsibilities

• Appropriately abides by all policies, procedures or regulation related to patient safety, professional code of ethics, infection control, age specific care delivery and patient / family education.
• Demonstrates proper response to Code Blue / Rapid Response.
• Actively participates in quality/performance improvement initiatives.
• In accordance with hospital policy, continuously and accurately documents all aspects of patient care delivered in the electronic medical record and incorporates principles of pain management into the provision of patient care.
• Complies with safety goals.
• Identifies patients accurately before starting procedures/ providing services.
• Gathers, documents and transmits accurate identifying and essential information about patients.
• Collaborates with other members of the health care team to keep patients informed about and included in decision making about care and treatment.
• Investigates patient’s questions and concerns before proceeding with procedures and treatments.
• Reports incidents, as outlined per policy including potential errors and near misses.
• Identifies possible victims of abuse and reports according to policy.
• Performs and documents patient assessment according to department policy.
• Develops an individualized plan of care according to department policy in collaboration with other members of the healthcare team.
• Demonstrates proper procedure for prevention of Healthcare Acquired Infection (HAI).
• Demonstrates proper technique per protocols during procedures (e.g. wound care and catheter placement).
• Administers direct patient care, utilizing the full range of occupational therapy techniques outlined in the scope of service.
• Chooses appropriate equipment and techniques for direct patient care, considering precautions and contraindications.
• Demonstrates competence in the implementation of treatment programs using standard occupational therapy equipment and techniques.
• Demonstrates competence in use of specialized occupational therapy techniques.
• Coordinates treatments with other hospital staff as needed.
• Delegates any part of the patient’s treatment which can be legally and appropriately done by assistant staff.
• Reports on patient’s progress at various rounds, clinics and conferences as indicated.
• Actively participates in clinical instruction of affiliating students and in departmental educational activities related to other health care students, personnel and the community.
• Actively seeks appropriate opportunities for ongoing education.

Requirements

• Education: Graduate of accredited program in OT (Bachelor or Master of Science) required. Post professional education in physical agent modalities preferred.
• Experience/Skill Sets: Recent experience in acute care and proficiency in hand therapy required. Experience in ergonomics evaluations preferred.
• Licensure/Certification: State of Vermont license required, temporary license acceptable on entry. CPR certification required.
• Physical Demands: On-the-job time spent standing, walking, sitting, talking or hearing. Ability to lift up to 30 pounds. Vision requirements: close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), color vision, ability to adjust focus. Hearing: ability to hear calls and instructions.
• OSHA Category: OSHA Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues require use of techniques of Universal Precautions as evidenced with blood borne pathogens standards.

Pay

Salary range: $89,440 – $106,059.

Schedule

Full-time position (FTE 0.9) with day shift hours.