Occupational Therapist (OT) Outpatient

**Position Title:** Occupational Therapist

I

**Overview:** The Occupational Therapist I oversees the responsibilities delegated to Occupational Therapist Assistants and Aides, ensuring that all activities are patient-centric and align with the standards of occupational therapy, relevant physician orders, and regulatory policies and procedures. The primary treatment settings include acute care (primary) and ou

tpatient environments.

**Essential Responsibilities:**

- Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients’ functional abilities using both formal and informal assessment measures to assess skeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, developmental, social, and cognitive functions.

- Formulate a specific treatment regimen based on assessment outcomes and the patient's capacity to adhere to the proposed treatment plan, in alignment with established guidelines.

- Develop and submit a detailed written treatment plan for inclusion in the authorized plan of care, coordinating closely with the overseeing physician and updating it as patient status evolves. Co-sign verbal orders as necessitated by the Occupational Therapist Assistant.

- Create a tailored treatment schedule specifying frequency and duration of interventions, discussing the plan with the patient, family, and caregivers, while ensuring seamless coordination with clinical support staff.

- Educate patients, families, and caregivers about the underlying pathology, treatment options, prognosis, and the rationale for prescribed interventions, which may include rest, exercise, modalities, and other pertinent therapies. - Provide oversight and mentorship to Occupational Therapist Assistants, Home Health Aides, and students, complying with affiliate and regulatory standards.

**Additional Responsibilities:**

- Recommend and arrange for adaptive/supportive equipment based on patient assessments, liaising with representatives and suppliers to facilitate timely procurement of necessary devices.

- Maintain meticulous documentation of patient responses to treatments and any fluctuations in patient condition, adhering to affiliate documentation policies and regulatory requirements.

- Complete daily documentation requisite for billing processes in accordance with affiliate policy and regulatory standards.

- Implement therapy interventions demonstrating the requisite competencies to enhance or restore patients' optimal functioning pertinent to the therapist’s designated care area.

- Develop and deliver effective home education programs for patients and caregivers employing appropriate teaching methodologies.

- Exhibit proficient oral and written communication skills with all stakeholders to enhance patient care quality, including coordination with interdisciplinary team members.

- Foster educational growth among staff, students, and health care professionals through relevant training and development initiatives.

- Engage in process improvement initiatives. - Contribute to program development activities. - Actively participate in team conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as appropriate.

- Advocate for occupational therapy programs by engaging in and leading community education efforts. - Serve as case manager for designated cases.

- Uphold the mission of the affiliate, exhibiting dedication to customer service, quality, and collaborative teamwork. - Ensure confidentiality of patient and affiliate information. - Perform additional duties as assigned.

**Physical and Mental Requirements:**

- The role involves exposure to high-stress environments, including encounters with trauma, grief, and death. - Capability to wear personal protective equipment, including latex

or appropriate alternatives when required by the position. - Must be physically mobile within the facility, with the ability to execute job responsibilities as articulated in the role description. - Adequate vision and auditory capability is essential, with or without assistive devices. - Frequent engagement in sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods; may necessitate regular postural adjustments including stooping, kneeling, or crouching. - Anticipate some exposure to bloodborne pathogens and potentially infectious materials. - Must efficiently manage multiple tasks, collaborate harmoniously with colleagues, work independently, maintain consistent attendance, and sustain alertness. - Manual dexterity is vital, including abilities in handling, reaching, grasping, and feeling; repetition of such movements may occur frequently.

**Certifications and Licenses:**

- **BLS:** Basic Life Support

– To be completed within one month of hire or transfer. -

**NBCOT:** National Board Certifying Examination for Occupational Therapy. -

**OTR:** Licensed Occupational Therapist.

**Education Requirements:**

- Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.

**Experience and Skill Requirements:**

- Preferred experience of over one year, though new graduates will be considered.

- Successful completion of affiliation-specific orientation and new hire competency assessments.

- Strong interpersonal skills are necessary for effective communication in both verbal and written formats, facilitating engagement across varied levels of stakeholders.

- Capacity to work autonomously, demonstrating robust problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, time management, and initiative.

- Annual completion of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training is mandatory, per the Exposure Control Plan.