As an Occupational Therapist, you will help patients regain independence and quality of life so they can safely perform daily activities.
Every day you will assess diverse patients (orthopedic, neurological, sensory, cancer recovery, etc.), develop treatment plans, and conduct evaluations/re-evaluations. You will be expected to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, document thoroughly, and provide positive, motivating care to a high volume of patients.
To be successful in this role, you must be flexible, adaptable, exceptionally organized, and a personable, motivating team player.
- Performs patient assessment/data collection, interprets findings and formulates treatment plans.
- Reviews medical record/documentation prior to initial evaluation to familiarize self with patient’s history and obtains necessary information to perform a thorough, quality assessment.
- Develops Occupational Therapy plan of care to meet established goals and individualized needs of patient/client.
- Selects and administers assessment tools according to standards as established by profession and department.
- Implements and updates therapeutic plan of care and treatment based on patient needs throughout patient’s treatment/stay.
- Implements treatment and conducts treatment program which may include but is not limited to: activities of daily living, transfers, strengthening, range of motion, home evaluation, family training, cognitive training, job analysis/ work preparation, equipment recommendations and ordering.
- Regularly assesses clinical signs and symptoms to determine effectiveness of treatment, progress of patient towards goals, the need for modifying goals and treatment.
- Performs treatment according to according to established protocols or accepted clinical standards of practice using a variety of modalities and implements new and innovative treatment approaches.
- Adheres to most recent treatment plan and documented frequency per evaluation/certification or reassessment/recertification.
- Initiates discharge from occupational therapy when the patient has received maximum benefit from occupational therapy.
- Identifies and implements strategies to meet the educational needs of the patient/family/significant others as it relates to Occupational Therapy.
- Participates in supervision and performance feedback of staff, aides, students, volunteers as requested.
- Completes all required documentation, in an accurate and thorough manner, of Occupational Therapy treatment in accordance with FHS documentation standard.
- Utilizes documentation that meets the accepted clinical, hospital and departmental standards and chart review criteria.
- Completes documentation responsibilities in a timely manner according to hospital and departmental criteria.
- Participates in chart review process and adjusts practices according to feedback as provided.
- Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Population Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.
- Lead Job Duties
- Completes / monitors daily patient schedule and oversees clinical patient loads. Communicates with and keeps Supervisor or Manager apprised of matters regarding daily schedule or staffing issues. Provides rounds coverage as appropriate. Oversees scheduling of patient programs, i.e. Joint Class, Stroke Night, Parkinson’s Group, etc. as appropriate. Oversees and/or delegates orientation of new staff, students, and volunteers.
- Acts as liaison to Director, Manager, Supervisor, department staff and other disciplines. Meets with Director, Manager or Supervisor monthly. Communicates team input regarding program development/enhancement.
- Coordinates and/or facilitates team communication and effectiveness. Schedules and facilitates team meetings on a regular basis as requested. Meets with clinical leads/team leaders from other disciplines and/or other departments. Promotes and ensures collaboration between clinical staff and support staff. Communicates support staff availability for therapy related tasks and determines appropriate method for work completion.
- Takes responsibility to ensure quality performance, efficiency, and effectiveness of the team. Takes authority to triage and problem-solve for daily team functioning as appropriate. Provides Manager or Supervisor appropriate input regarding therapist performance standards and technical competencies.
