Occupational Therapist

About the Role

The Registered Occupational Therapist provides rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and mental disabilities through purposeful activity. This includes manual and creative skills, educational and recreational activities, facilitation techniques, and developmental skills to improve physical function and promote mental adjustment.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient treatments to improve physical function and mental adjustment.
• Ensure patient safety within the Occupational Therapy Department.
• Maintain organization and order of the treatment area.
• Keep accurate departmental and patient records, including daily progress charting.
• Monitor and manage supplies used for patient care.
• Evaluate patients to determine their current physical and functional status and assess potential benefits from therapy.
• Plan and implement therapy programs for in-patients, out-patients, extended care center patients, and stress management patients.
• Record and report patient progress for review by the rehabilitation team.
• Prepare and fit splints for functional upper and lower extremities as ordered.
• Requisition supplies and equipment while ensuring economic use of resources.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

• Bending, stooping, lifting patients and equipment as necessary.
• Pushing patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers.
• Adjusting equipment to meet specific patient treatment needs.
• Providing resistive exercise and physical contact with patients during treatment.
• Operating electrical equipment.
• Ability to work under pressure and remain alert to patient reactions.

Special Demands

• Desire to work with individuals with temporary or chronic mental, physical, or developmental disabilities.
• Knowledge of medical terminology to understand evaluations and chart progress.
• Experience in arts and crafts to build strength, promote function, and enhance self-esteem.
• Strong reasoning skills to organize activities and use supplies effectively.
• Firm yet kind attitude in patient interactions.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.
• Versatility in dealing with diverse patients and treatment programs.

Qualifications

• Completion of an Occupational Therapy curriculum approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Licensed or eligible for licensure by the Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy.
• Certified by the American Board of Certification.
• No previous experience necessary upon meeting educational requirements, though experience is desirable.

Supervision

Supervised by the Clinical Director. Supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Aides, students, volunteers, and attendants.