Occupational Therapist

Essential Functions

• Affirms patient condition and establishes goals, treatments, and care plans in collaboration with physicians.
• Ensures appropriate treatment is performed through interdisciplinary collaboration, consulting with physicians on occupational therapy impacts.
• Documents findings, treatments, and other patient information in the medical record.
• Educates patients and families on appropriate care and use of therapies/exercises.
• Serves as an information/education resource for patients, families, and staff.
• Supervises Occupational Therapy Assistants and Therapy Technicians during patient care.
• Serves as a resource to Rehabilitation staff.
• Fabricates and modifies splints and braces.
• Aids the director with patient care issues as needed.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Participates in team meetings as needed.

  Requirements

  • Master’s degree or Bachelor’s degree (grandfathered program) with current certification as an Occupational Therapist.
  • Experience in an outpatient therapy clinic, particularly with orthopedic and upper extremity conditions.
  • Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification or active pursuit of certification.
  • Current Louisiana state license.

  Education

  Requires a master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree if degreed program was grandfathered. Current certification as an Occupational Therapist.

  Summary

  This position focuses on the evaluation and treatment of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder orthopedic conditions. The therapist works with a diverse patient population recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions, helping restore strength, mobility, and function in the upper extremity.

  Knowledge

  • Occupational therapy principles, standards, and applications.
  • Upper extremity anatomy, biomechanics, and orthopedic protocols.
  • Splinting principles and post-operative rehabilitation guidelines.
  • Clinic policies, procedures, regulations, safety/infection control, and quality control.
  • Treatment equipment usage.
  • Medical terminology.

  Skills

  • Evaluation and treatment of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions.
  • Manual therapy, therapeutic exercise prescription, and neuromuscular re-education techniques.
  • Fabrication or adjustment of custom splints and orthoses.
  • Clear communication with patients, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
  • Evidence-based clinical reasoning and decision-making.
  • Effective communication in verbal and written forms.
  • Recognition of patient safety and fall risks with appropriate interventions.
  • Documentation in EMR systems.

  Abilities

  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • Clear and timely communication.
  • Supporting patients in transfers.
  • Lifting up to 50 lbs.
  • Bending, stretching, and manual dexterity.
  • Performing range of motion and mobilization exercises.
  • Physical demands including sitting, standing, bending, stretching, and manual dexterity.
  • Organizational requirements.
  • OSHA requirements and training.
  • Adherence to Los Angeles Occupational Integrity (OIG) Compliance Program.