Per Diem Occupational Therapist

At Jethro Health we provide patient-focused care, recognize each person as unique, and practice a multi-disciplinary approach. We support a commitment to delivering excellent, high-quality care to patients and families in the home environment. Our mission is to grow a quality-oriented and employee-friendly organization.

About the role

We are looking for a per diem Occupational Therapist who is self-motivated, has previous experience in home health care, is well organized, and has excellent communication skills. The right candidate will be responsible for the overall Occupational Therapy services of our home health agency.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled Occupational Therapy services on an intermittent basis to patients in their homes in accordance with physician orders.
• Assist the physician in evaluating the patient's level of function by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures.
• Conduct initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of the patient’s needs, including Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) assessments.
• Evaluate the patient's significant other(s) and the home situation to determine instruction requirements and available family assistance, as well as other needed Agency and community services.
• Assure that the physician's orders are appropriate and discuss necessary changes.
• Assist in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan to include Occupational Therapy in consultation with the physician.
• Guide and instruct the patient in prescribed therapeutic self-care and creative activities aimed at improving independence and physical and mental functioning.
• Instruct patient in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthotic devices.
• Teach, supervise, and counsel the family and patient in the total Occupational Therapy program and other related problems of the patient at home.
• Establish goals based on the patient's current level of functioning and potential for improvement; perform re-evaluations as indicated.
• Make arrangements for outpatient services when procedures cannot be performed in the home.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention and update the patient care plan as needed.
• Prepare clinical/progress notes on the day of the visit, incorporated into the chart within 72 hours.
• Communicate with the physician regularly regarding patient status, obtaining additional orders if necessary.
• Communicate with other team members and instruct them in Occupational Therapy techniques when appropriate.
• Supervise the Home Health Aide per agency policy when Occupational Therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the patient's care.
• Supervise the Occupational Therapy Assistant at least per agency policy.
• Participate in Agency activities, in-services, and meetings when appropriate.
• Confirm, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Director of Nursing to coordinate Agency visits.
• Participate with staff, the patient, and the physician in discharge activities and complete an Occupational Therapy Discharge Summary.
• Assume responsibility for self-development by continually improving healthcare knowledge through educational programs, workshops, conferences, professional organizations, and individual research.

Requirements

• Graduate of an Occupational Therapy school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the A.M.A. in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Preferably a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Licensed or registered by the State of Massachusetts.
• At least one year of institutional experience.
• Current CPR certification.
• One year of home health care experience (required).