Occupational Therapist

Summary

The Occupational Therapist focuses primarily on those individuals whose actual or potential impairment is related to the neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular pulmonary, neurological, psychiatric systems; on methods to evaluate the functions of these systems; and on the selection and application of appropriate therapeutic procedures to maintain, improve, or restore functional abilities.

Responsibilities

• Independently evaluate patients using standard and non-standard techniques to identify specific Occupational Therapy treatment problems.
• Independently perform tests and measurements of the patient's condition and interpret results for use in establishing a diagnosis, developing the treatment plan, modifying the treatment plan, and evaluating results of treatment.
• Establish short term and long-term Occupational Therapy clinically appropriate patient treatment goals and implement treatment programs to meet these goals.
• Frequently assess patient progress towards treatment goals, modifying goals and treatment program as needed.
• Maintain awareness of patient's emergency medical needs, intolerance to treatment, changes in physical/mental status, and take appropriate action as necessary.
• Document and communicate evaluation and treatment results according to Occupational Therapy Clinical Competency Review Criteria.
• Represent Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Service as a liaison in ward rounds, patient planning conferences, discharge planning conferences, specialty clinics, and assigned medical or departmental meetings.
• Maintain current knowledge and understanding of all patient care Occupational Therapy treatment equipment in the department, its use, and contraindications.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity among patients/staff and provide appropriate care/support to patients of varying cognitive, physical, and emotional needs.
• Recommend referrals to other services or programs when appropriate.
• Provide instruction in the care and use of assistive devices, adaptive equipment, orthotic devices, and prosthesis. Fabricate such items as feasible.
• Utilize appropriate occupational therapy modalities using exercise, massage, heat or cold, air, light, water, electricity, or sound for the purpose of correcting or alleviating physical or mental conditions, or preventing the development of disabilities, or assessing neuromuscular function.
• Solve problems independently, adapt and modify treatment plans, activities, and procedures without supervisory guidance to meet complex and challenging patient needs.

Requirements

• Maintain and submit statistical reports as scheduled.
• Correct safety hazards and report equipment malfunctions.
• Maintain supplies at effective levels for treatment and ensure appropriate use.
• Maintain current knowledge of and act within the scope of practice and policies and procedures of the department and hospital.
• Maintain effective communication with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to enhance patient care.
• Recommend additions to departmental equipment and Occupational Therapy treatment programs.
• Supervise and guide non-licensed staff involved in Occupational Therapy treatment to maintain overall responsibility of treatment.

• Qualifications

  • Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) years of experience as an occupational therapist; or Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy and two (2) full years of graduate education in a related field; or Master's Degree or higher in occupational therapy.
  • Certification: Current NBCOT certification as an OT.
  • State Licensure: Full, current, and unrestricted state license to practice occupational therapy in a state, territory, or Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or in the District of Columbia.
  • Exception for Graduate Occupational Therapists: OT graduates from an approved occupational therapy program who otherwise meet the minimum qualification requirements, but who do not possess NBCOT certification and/or state licensure, may be appointed, pending certification and/or licensure, as a graduate OT on a full-time temporary appointment not-to-exceed two years under the authority of 38 U.S.C. § 7405(c)(2). Graduate OTs may only be appointed at the GS-9 grade level and may not be promoted/converted to the GS-11 level until licensure and/or certification is obtained.
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of occupational therapy practice; ability to administer/interpret evaluation findings to develop and coordinate intervention plans, including goals and methods of treatment; skill in implementing intervention plans directly or in collaboration with others; ability to monitor an individual's response to interventions and modify treatment plans and reevaluate 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.