Description

Occupational Therapist 

Job Summary

The Occupational Therapist will evaluate and reassess participants upon referral from the Interdisciplinary Team. Provides and recommends therapeutic exercises. Responsible for providing comprehensive occupational therapy program for Jordan Valley Senior Care participants, including development and oversight of functional maintenance programs.

Position Responsibilities

 Assessment: Collects patient data and standards, required forms with appropriate responses according to department and industry standards; identifies participant’s overt problems/needs and sets priorities. Identifies problems requiring further referral and/or follow-up; observes and records latest diagnostic results; performs advanced occupational therapy observations and problem solving using critical thinking skills.

 Planning Care: Develops a plan of care based on occupational therapy needs/goals and which incorporates the plans of other disciplines and continuing care needs; includes the participant/family in developing or revising the plan of care; and makes referrals to interdisciplinary support services. Establishes realistic and measurable goals and sets up treatment plans to administer rehabilitation treatment. Initial and periodic assessments (minimally every 6 months) to be completed prior to the scheduled team meetings. Communicates participant changes to team members.

 Implementing/Managing Care: Ensure that therapy being provided conforms to accepted industry practice standards and organizational/department standards; provide correct treatments/procedures and other care as prescribed and according to patient care standards. Demonstrate thorough understanding of age-related characteristics, symptoms, and needs of participants served; explain occupational therapy treatment and procedures in appropriate way; provide participant and family education in rehabilitation needs and interventions; work with other therapists and primary care staff to provide patient care and to implement physician orders as necessary and as appropriate to occupational therapy standards. Document all occupational therapy treatment and interventions accurately and within departmental time requirements into patients’ charts. Understand and demonstrate respect for participant’s rights and utilize established mechanisms for management of ethical issues in participant care. Plan and develop maintenance exercise and therapy programs for participants. Plan and implement home-based interventions, including installation of adaptable equipment for participant safety; responsible for keeping inventory of issued equipment.

 Participant/Family Education: Coordinate 24-hour care delivery and provide training to family members, friends, and Jordan Valley Senior Care staff members for those parts of the treatment plan that can be carried out by them; make home visits as necessary for home-based interventions and observation.

Evaluation: Record participant care delivered as planned and any variation, with appropriate rationale. Make and record observations, as well as implement rehabilitation measures related to impending or associated problems.

 Leadership: Provide supervision to program aides and other staff who are implementing occupational therapy treatment and/or maintenance programs; integrate cost effective measures into rehabilitation practice; recognize unit problems and take responsibility for documentation; demonstrate active participation in QI processes; comply with policies addressing safe working conditions; monitor unsafe working conditions and recognize inappropriate and/or ineffective participant care management, resolve issues/problems; complete written reports; fulfill call for department as assigned and adjust staffing for volume and acuity as necessary.

 Interdisciplinary Team: Participate as an active and cooperative member of the Interdisciplinary Team. Attend staff meetings and take part in participant care planning.

 Other projects and duties as assigned.

Possess the Ability To:

 Work effectively in a team environment.

 Communicate effectively and openly with other Interdisciplinary Team members on patient status and needs.

Only act within the scope of his/her authority to practice.

Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by Jordan Valley Senior Care and approved by regulatory agencies before working independently.

Be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up to date before engaging in direct participant contact.

Pass a criminal background which will verify that the candidate is: not excluded from participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs; has not been convicted of criminal offenses related to their involvement in Medicaid, Medicare, other health insurance or health care programs, or social services programs under title XX of the Act; and have not been convicted of physical, sexual, drug or alcohol abuse.

Completes orientation competency profile prior to direct participant care. 

Requirements

•  Graduate of an Occupational Therapy program accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
• A valid and current Occupational Therapy License in good standing.
•  Minimum 2 years clinical experience with adult physical disability practicing as an Occupational Therapist.
•  Either have one year of experience working with a frail or elderly population or, in the absence of such experience, to receive appropriate training from the Jordan Valley Senior Care on working with a frail or elderly population upon hiring.
•  Advanced Practice in Dysphagia preferred, but not mandatory.
•  A valid Driver’s license and vehicle, or other approved means of transportation, and an acceptable driving record is required for some assignments.
•  BLS certified.