Occupational Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY

Plans and implements prescribed occupational therapy treatment programs for persons receiving services to maintain and/or restore function secondary to acute or chronic disability; conducts annual screens, assessments, and daily documentation if warranted.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Reviews MD’s referral and persons receiving services medical record prior to determining OT treatment required. Refer persons receiving services to specialty clinics as needed (adaptive equipment, shoe, AC, and splint). Maintain active/up to date MD prescriptions as outlined by NYS Department of Health (DOH) and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) depending upon work assignment. 
• Evaluates and assesses person’s needs and level of functioning in the areas of: cognitive/perceptual, sensorimotor, gross & fine motor skills, musculoskeletal status, CNS status, transfers, adaptive equipment (e.g., ADL devices) and assistive technology. Evaluates persons receiving services within facility-specified time frame. 
• Confers with physician and other health care practitioners to obtain additional information on persons receiving services. Integrate input from persons receiving services family, and direct care staff in treatment assessment and recommendations
• Devises treatment plans based on the assessment; administer treatment involving the application modalities: hot packs, cold packs, and paraffin; instruct, motivate, and assist persons receiving services in various exercise programs, mat activities, ADLs, and the exploration of assistive technology including power mobility.
• Writes specific, objective, and measurable documentation, which is outcome oriented and details the persons receiving services’ needs, potential to benefit from treatment and progress achieved to date. All documentation must be completed through EMR within the time frame established by the Healthcare Center and/or Article 16.
• Consults with supervisor when appropriate to implement recommendations.
• Provides training to persons receiving services, families and/or direct care staff.
• Communicates effectively with discharge planning from rehabilitative programs. 
• Participates and attends care plan/team meetings as needed for persons receiving OT services.
• Supervise COTAs, therapists on limited permits, and performs oversight in the Healthcare Center, Art 16, day program, and residential settings as applicable.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy school; New York State license, or eligible for New York State licensure to practice Occupational Therapy.
• Knowledge in OT evaluation and treatment; ability to supervise assistants and aides; understand the principles of physical agent modalities employed in OT; knowledge in the use of mobility devices, therapeutic exercises. Must have good written-verbal communication skills and be computer proficient.
• Physical Demands
  • Therapist to be able to demonstrate standard pivot transfers with weight bearing individuals.
  • Therapist to be able to demonstrate a two person lift transfer of individuals who are non-weight bearing.
  • Therapist to be able to demonstrate the ability to utilize a mechanical lifter as needed.
• Must be able to travel as assigned to sites and oversee Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Healthcare Centers, Article 16, day program or residential sites.

REQUIREMENTS

• Attend/participate in mandatory educational programs as defined by the agency, department policy and by New York State.
• Maintains current licensure.
• Performs all job responsibilities in full compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Adheres to the agency’s corporate compliance program, including the code of business conduct, the NYS and federal false claims acts, whistleblower protections and mandatory reporting. Completes corporate compliance training at least annually. Fully cooperates in all corporate compliance investigations and reviews.