Occupational Therapist Full-Time

About the role

The Staff Occupational Therapist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members, and maintains accurate documentation of therapy services in the medical record. The Occupational Therapist also provides ongoing in-service education and training to facility staff to support resident outcomes and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate residents within twenty-four (24) hours or one (1) business day of physician referral; document reasons for any delay
• Develop effective treatment plans and obtain physician approval for therapy services
• Provide occupational therapy treatments in accordance with physician orders and established plans of care
• Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), aides, and students in accordance with state practice acts
• Aid the nursing department with training of Restorative Aides
• Communicate with supervisors and interdisciplinary team members regarding resident progress, problems, and treatment plans
• Participate in Patient Care Conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation Conferences as required
• Participate in facility in-service training programs
• Complete evaluations, daily treatment notes, weekly progress notes, and recertification documentation in compliance with state regulations and payer requirements
• Record treatment changes per facility policy and procedures
• Education and training residents, families, and nursing staff on maintenance programs and caregiver training to prepare for discharge
• Recommend and facilitate ordering of durable medical equipment to promote resident independence (e.g., braces, walkers, canes, grab bars, elevated toilet seats)
• Report equipment issues promptly to ensure proper maintenance and safety
• Maintain professional, positive, and effective relationships with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy required
• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy preferred
• Skilled nursing or post-acute care experience preferred

Skills

• Proficient in electronic documentation systems such as Casamba and PointClickCare

Abilities

• Ability to read technical procedures and policy manuals
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, residents, and families
• Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Ability to solve practical problems
• Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions

Physical Demands

• Stand and/or walk very frequently
• Sit occasionally
• Reach with hands and arms frequently; push and pull very frequently
• Talk and hear very frequently
• Taste and/or smell very frequently
• Exert over 100 pounds of force occasionally, over 50 pounds frequently, and over 20 pounds constantly
• Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl occasionally
• Possess close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception with the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

• Noise levels are typically low to moderate