The Occupational Therapist provides comprehensive diagnostic services to patients referred for a possible dysfunction in the areas of fine motor development, orthopedic abnormality, or neurological deficits. With physician referral and approval, treatment plans are implemented to address deficits identified in any, or all of these areas. Goals are set to move the individual toward his or her maximum level of independence and/or function.

The following is a summary of major essential functions of the Occupational Therapist. Other duties may be performed as permitted by Texas laws and regulations adopted by the state agencies that are not mentioned here. Specific functions may, from time to time, change. These functions include:

• Performs comprehensive evaluations of referred patients using standardized testing tools and/or other accepted assessment methods. Documents results in format approved by facility.
• Completes all documentation that is required for each patient (progress notes, summaries, re-evaluations).
• Communicates to physicians, appropriate members of staff, patient and family members regarding patient needs and progress, either by documentation or, if necessary, direct contact.
• Supplies billing information to appropriate staff, in a proper and timely manner for all patient procedures.
• Provides supervision for and monitors clinical documentation on staff Occupational Therapy Assistants to ensure all treatment notes indicate the name of the Supervising Occupational Therapist for whom the Occupational Therapy Assistant is treating.
• Monitor inventory of supplies and equipment. Request orders of needed supplies and equipment in a timely manner to avoid emergency ordering.
• Keeps informed of changes and innovation in the field through professional contacts, literature, and workshops.
  • Is a graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association; or
  • Is eligible for the National Registration Examination of the American Occupational Therapy Association; or

2. Provides occupational therapy for all types of pediatric physical dysfunctions.

3. Monitor equipment to be sure it is safe before using with a patient.

4. Maintain the well-being and safety of the patient during treatment.

8. Participates in and attends rehabilitation team conferences and clinic staff meetings as scheduled.

10. Provide clinical supervision to any OT or COTA students completing clinical hours in the facility, as applicable.

11. Observes patient confidentiality and follows HIPAA guidelines.

14. Continually pursue professional growth and act as a Resource for expertise in the field of Occupational Therapy.

15. Assume personal responsibility for professional development and continuing education.

16. Provide education and counseling to patients and their families that will reinforce the therapy provided in the clinic.

17. Provide education related to Occupational Therapy to staff and the general public upon request.

18. Either attends and actively participates in or obtains an excused absence and arranges for make up for all mandatory meetings and in services.

19. Suggests and develops new patient programs and ideas for treatment as appropriate.

20. Demonstrate skills of effective time management.

21. Demonstrate positive interpersonal communications skills while maintaining standards of professional ethics.

22. Perform other duties as delegated, required, or requested.

c) Has 2 years of appropriate experience as an occupational therapist, and has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the

U.S. Public Health Service, except that such determinations of proficiency do not apply with respect to persons initially licensed by a State or seeking initial qualification as an occupational therapist after December 31, 1977.

1. Capable to lift, guard, transfer, and maneuver patients of all sizes and weights, utilizing assistance or special equipment as needed on a recurring basis and in a safe manner.

2. Manual dexterity and visual acuity to safely apply all necessary modalities and operation of equipment.

3. Must be able to follow written procedures and verbal directives.