Occupational Therapist (OT) - Inpatient PRN

Major Responsibilities

• Interpret physician referrals and evaluate the patient's physical, perceptual, cognitive, social, and vocational abilities and their impact on activities of daily living.
• Establish a plan of care and implement individualized treatment based on evaluation results, functional goals, and appropriate techniques.
• Provide and/or fabricate assistive devices and splints to enhance functional independence.
• Monitor and evaluate outcomes, adjust treatment plans as needed, and provide status updates to physicians and teammates.
• Identify factors affecting the patient’s physical and psychosocial comfort and address those needs.
• Plan and complete patient discharge, including written home programs, patient/family teaching, referrals for community services, transition planning, and equipment ordering.
• Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders to achieve optimum patient care.
• Complete all required documentation per department policy and accreditation standards, including evaluations, progress notes, team conference reports, and discharge summaries.
• Record patient care and progress for each assigned patient.
• Complete daily statistics, billing, and scheduling; apply insurance guidelines regarding authorization and visit numbers.
• Maintain site/department productivity standards and adhere to billing and documentation policies, procedures, and timelines.
• Maintain a clean, orderly treatment area and properly store equipment after use.
• Perform manual techniques, patient positioning, transferring, and transporting duties using proper body mechanics.
• Demonstrate skill in the use of modalities, exercise equipment, and other devices; understand indications and contraindications.
• Promote patient safety by participating in safety initiatives and following infection control measures.
• Participate in performance improvement activities to enhance patient care outcomes and quality.
• Manage assigned caseload, inform site leadership of coverage needs, and assist with coverage as required.
• Pursue professional growth through continuing education, in‑services, and professional literature.
• Orient new staff to clinical and department policies as requested.
• Provide verbal or written feedback in coworker evaluations as requested.
• Supervise occupational therapy assistants, extenders (rehab aides/techs), and students, delegating tasks, providing direction, and maintaining responsibility for the patient’s plan of care and goals.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education: Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited school (or equivalent educational requirements based on graduation date) and maintenance of continuing education as required by state standards.

Certification / Registration / License: Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of practice; Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers (to be obtained within 90 days unless exempted by department leadership).

Work Experience: No prior experience required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:

• Intermediate computer skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational abilities.
• Strong decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Successful completion of all competency assessments related to patient care and site standards.
• Ability to meet annual educational requirements for hospital‑based certifications (e.g., DNV, CARF).
• Knowledge of age‑appropriate care, growth and development principles, and ability to assess and interpret patient data accordingly.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, and squat throughout the workday.
• Lift up to 50 lb from floor to waist, 10 lb from waist to overhead, and carry up to 40 lb at waist height a reasonable distance.
• Push/pull with up to 30 lb of force; perform a sliding transfer of 150 lb with a second person present.
• Repetitive hand use: simple grasping (5‑15 lb) for ~20 % of the day; pushing/pulling (up to 75‑100 lb) for ~10 % of the day; fine manipulation during massage and joint mobilization.
• Functional use of senses required for effective communication.
• Exposure to electrical and chemical hazards, blood and body fluids; must be able to wear protective clothing as needed.
• Potential travel may expose employee to road and weather hazards.
• Operate all equipment necessary to perform job duties.

All responsibilities and requirements are subject to reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. This description does not encompass every possible duty; employees must follow additional job‑related instructions and perform other duties as assigned by leadership.