Occupational Therapist

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Therapy department leader, the Occupational Therapist tests and evaluates patients' physical and mental abilities and analyzes medical data to determine realistic rehabilitation goals for patients as part of a treatment plan. Designs interventions within the treatment plan that will help individuals learn work and life-management skills within the limits of their mental and physical capabilities.

Essential Functions

• Evaluates patients’ initial performance and progress and prepares reports that detail progress.
• Completes and maintains appropriate records as evidence of treatment and progress.
• Plans, organizes, and conducts occupational therapy programs to help rehabilitate those impaired because of illness, injury, or psychological or developmental problems.
• Provides and documents supervision over assistants under direct supervision or indirectly in carrying out treatment plans under the direction of the supervising therapist.
• Records prognosis, treatment, response, and progress in the patient’s chart or other documentation system.
• Documents should be sufficient to demonstrate reasonable functional progress and provide complete information for billing third-party insurance programs.
• Recommends changes in patients’ living environments, consistent with their needs and capabilities and overall safety.
• Consults with rehabilitation team to coordinate occupational therapy with other disciplines.
• Helps patients to improve decision making, abstract reasoning, memory, sequencing, coordination, and perceptual skills with rehabilitative tools.
• Provides training in therapy techniques and objectives for others, including students, nurses, and other medical staff.
• Plan and implement programs and social activities to help patients learn skills and adjust to physical limitations.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Current unencumbered Oregon Occupational Therapist license is required.
• BLS certification is required.
• Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of state practice act guidelines and Medicare guidelines.
  • Effective teamwork.
  • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Prior experience with proper electronic medical record documentation.
  • Knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.
  • Calmness in emergency or crisis situations.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Strong organizational and prioritization ability.
  • Multitasking and time management.

Physical Requirements

• On-the-job time spent: Sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, standing, walking, talking, hearing, reaching, using hands, grasping, fine dexterity.
• Weight lifting: None of the time.
• Special vision requirements: Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, adjusting focus.
• Environmental conditions: No exposure to extreme heat/cold, wet/humid, fumes/airborne particles, work with explosives, outdoor weather, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, vibration.
• Repetitive motion actions: Grasping (simple/light & firm/heavy), repetitive use of hands.

Work Environment

• Very quiet to moderate noise.
• Hearing requirements: Ability to hear alarms on equipment, patient calls, and instructions.