Occupational Therapist (OT), In-Home Care - Days

About the role

Join UChicago Medicine Home Care as an Occupational Therapist providing in-home care. The Occupational Therapist is responsible for implementing standards of care for occupational therapy services and adhering to all agency policies. This role involves analyzing performance skills and patterns to help patients engage in everyday activities within their environments.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates the patient’s functional status, including muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, communication skills, self-care ability, and work capacity.
• Assesses the home environment for hazards or barriers to independent living and identifies equipment needs.
• Participates in developing the total Plan of Care and quality management programs.
• Develops treatment programs and establishes goals for improved function, communicating these to referring physicians and other professionals.
• Teaches new skills or retrains patients in daily activities lost due to illness or injury.
• Instructs patients in the use of adaptive equipment and trains them in prosthetic/orthotic device usage.
• Maintains clinical records, progress notes, and reports changes in patient condition to physicians.
• Coordinates with team members to promote efficient, well-coordinated care.
• Attends in-services, case conferences, and meetings to contribute to patient care plans.
• Educates patients, families, caregivers, and team members on treatment regimes.
• Participates in discharge planning for patients.
• Ensures 100% patient and customer satisfaction through courteous and helpful interactions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of a BS in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Illinois license or eligibility, including a letter to sit for the National Exam.
• Advanced certification or previous experience may be required for specific practice areas.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to work with diverse cultures or individuals with language/cognitive impairments.
• Current CPR certification.
• Valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and reliable personal transportation for home visits.

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force.
• Frequent bending, lifting, push/pull maneuvers, and occasional carrying of items over 20 pounds.
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching (floor to waist, waist to shoulder, above shoulder), and talking.
• Fine motor control and precision for tasks such as documentation.
• Visual acuity and hearing sufficient to perform therapy skills and review printed/electronic information.
• Exposure to chemicals/disinfectants and bodily fluids.
• Travel to patients’ homes and other work-related locations, requiring the ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Continuing Education

Personnel are expected to participate in continuing education as requested or required by their supervisor and take personal responsibility for enhancing job-related skills and abilities, including meeting licensing standards.

Job Type/FTE: Full-Time
Shift: Days
Work Location: Field - City of Chicago