OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST - ORTHO & SPINE CENTER (40 HRS/WK DAYS)

About the Role

The Licensed Occupational Therapist at Riverside Healthcare provides expert evaluation and treatment to patients experiencing challenges with mobility, function, and daily living skills due to injury, illness, or disability. The role involves developing individualized treatment plans that address patient needs, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and guiding patients toward their goals of improved independence and quality of life. The Licensed Occupational Therapist is an essential member of the rehabilitation team, committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive evaluations of patients to assess their physical, cognitive, and functional abilities.
• Develop customized treatment plans that address the patient's unique needs, focusing on improving mobility, strength, coordination, and daily living skills.
• Provide direct therapeutic interventions, including exercises, activities, and use of adaptive equipment to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists, to ensure coordinated and effective patient care.
• Educate patients and their families about therapy goals, techniques, and ways to continue progress outside of therapy sessions.
• Monitor and document patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed to optimize outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all healthcare regulations, safety protocols, and documentation standards.
• Supervise and provide guidance to Occupational Therapist Assistants and other support staff as needed.
• Meet productivity percentage targets: less than or equal to 79.99 (NI), 80-83.99 (meets), greater than 84 (exceeds).
• Participate in Quality Improvement efforts, e.g., Journal Clubs, in-services, Magnet, chart auditing, etc.
• Demonstrate flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
• Participate in occupational therapy care team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices in occupational therapy.
• Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and filing paperwork as needed.
• Assist with inventory management by restocking supplies and reporting equipment needs.
• Actively participate in designated marketing programs (inpatient or outpatient).
• Contribute to community health initiatives and educational programs.
• Provide mentorship or support to occupational therapy interns or new staff as needed.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through attending workshops, conferences, and other educational opportunities.

Requirements

• Master's or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist in Illinois.
• Prior experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Ability to lift and move patients and equipment safely, and to assist with mobility needs as required.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with attention to detail and patient safety.
• Previous occupational therapy experience in hand and upper-extremity rehabilitation preferred.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Clorazene, Virex, Germicidal wipes, Liquid paper.
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Minimal risk of exposure; potential risk in the event of patient incontinence, open wounds treated in hydrotherapy, or equipment failure such as a catheter or IV breaking.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Minimal; whatever hazards may exist in patient rooms.

Sensory Requirements:

• Speech: Needed to give directions.
• Vision: Needed to evaluate gestures and movements.
• Hearing: Needed to adequately communicate.
• Touch: Needed for palpation of musculature and skin, to assess temperature, to distinguish between hot/cold, sharp/dull, etc.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

Percentage of time during the normal workday:

• Sit: 35%
• Twist: 2%
• Stand: 20%
• Crawl: 1%
• Walk: 20%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 1%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 2%
• Bend: 3%
• Reach above shoulders: 1%

Weight required to be lifted each normal workday:

• Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Lifting and carrying requirements: Demonstration of proper mechanics for lift/carry; set-up for evaluations, treatment programs.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 60
• Stand: 30
• Walk: 30

Repetitive use of hands:

• Simple grasp up to 15 lbs: Often
• Pushing & pulling normal weight: 50-200#
• Fine Manipulation: Keyboarding & writing often and for lengthy periods during the day. May also push wheelchairs.

Repetitive use of foot or feet: Required for elevating tables to allow room for wheelchair armrests and operating vehicles for home evaluations.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

Environmental Factors (Time Spent):

• Inside hours: 7
• Outside hours: 1
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere: Odors, Dust

Special Hazards:

• Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical: General use of exercise equipment and computers, modalities. Chemical additives for whirlpools, disinfectants.

Protective Clothing Required: Gown, gloves, or mask when indicated.

Pay

USD $41.31 - USD $55.28 /Hr