Occupational Therapist

Responsibilities

Independently evaluates patients referred for Occupational Therapy, using standard and non-standard methods to assess range of motion, strength, sensation, proprioception, coordination, perception, cognition, ADL and work activities, orthotic and prosthetic needs, and need for adaptive equipment.

Evaluates independent living skills to include use of community resources, home management, time management, and safety in the home and community; self-awareness, interpersonal and social skills; stress management; role development, self-sufficiency and wellness.

Establishes treatment goals, plan of care, and eventual discharge plan based on evaluations and planning with patient and significant others (when appropriate), and coordination with the multidisciplinary team.

Carries out occupational therapy plans with individuals to meet individual rehabilitation objectives, implementing functional activities to improve patient's activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perceptive and/or cognitive process, and may also include therapeutic exercise, muscle reeducation, neuromuscular facilitation, perceptual motor integration, fabrication and application of devices for daily living, teaching adaptive or compensatory techniques for community re-entry and work activities, and providing patient and/or caregiver education regarding disability.

Re-evaluates patient's performance and modifies treatment as indicated. Regularly presents patient information to health care providers regarding outcomes of treatment, status and expectations.

Evaluates patient's living situation through outpatient visits or home visits, patient and family interview, or consultation with other health care professionals. Assists patient in solving problems associated with that environment.

Initiates ordering, delivery and training in the use of patient specific adaptive equipment in a timely, efficient and accurate manner, utilizing the processes related to the procurement of prosthetic equipment.

Develops and carries out occupational therapy plans with individuals to meet individual rehabilitation objectives. Implements an occupational therapy treatment plan to meet individual rehabilitation objectives utilizing functional activities which have as their goal the improvement of patient's activities of daily living, strength, range of motion, sensation, perceptive and/or cognitive process, and may also include, therapeutic exercise, muscle reeducation, neuromuscular facilitation, perceptual motor integration, fabrication and application of devices for daily living, teaching adaptive or compensatory techniques for community re-entry and work activities and providing patient and/or caregiver education regarding disability.

Documents initial evaluations, progress, and discharge planning in a timely, concise manner, per section documentation and consult management requirements.

Is aware of signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and reports to the appropriate authority and documents following facility procedures.

Maintains current NBCOT certifications and state licensing requirements; and completes all mandatory training as required by the facility.

Qualifications

Education, Experience, or Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements.

Completion of one year of experience equivalent to at the GS-11 grade level and directly related to the position being filled.

Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy practice.
• Ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment.
• Ability to implement intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others.
• Skill in monitoring an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluating as indicated.
• Ability to communicate and or collaborate with patients, family members, caregivers, interdisciplinary professionals and/or other individuals verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations to minimize risk in the provision of patient care and the environment of care.
• Knowledge of applicable regulations governing documentation, reimbursement and workload entry in accordance with established professional practice.