Occupational Therapist

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: PROVIDE SKILLED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICE ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS TO PATIENTS IN THEIR HOMES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PHYSICIAN’S ORDERS.

Additionally, the Home Health Occupational Therapist will:

• Assist the physician in evaluating the patient’s level of function by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures.
• Conduct initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of the patient’s needs, including Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) assessments.
• Evaluate the patient’s significant other(s), and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required and what family assistance will be available in caring for the patient, as well as what other Agency and community services, will be required.
• Assure that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes.
• Assist in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan to include Occupational Therapy in consultation with the physician.
• Guide and instruct the patient in prescribed therapeutic self-care and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning.
• Instruct patient in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthotic devices.
• Teach, supervise and counsel the family and patient in the total Occupational Therapy program and other related problems of the patient at home.

• Establish goals based on the patient’s current level of functioning and potential for improvement and performs re-evaluations as indicated.
• Makes arrangement for outpatient services when procedures are required that cannot be given in the home.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention and updates the patient care plan as needed.
• Prepare clinical/progress notes on the day of the visit which are incorporated into the chart within 14 days.
• Communicate with the physician on a regular basis regarding patient’s status, obtaining additional orders, if necessary.
• Communicate with other team members and, when appropriate, instructs them in Occupational Therapy techniques that they may use while working with the patient.
• Supervise the Home Health Aide per agency policy when Occupational Therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the patient’s care.
• Supervise the Occupational Therapy Assistant at least per agency policy.
• Participate in Agency activities, in-services, and meetings, when appropriate.
• Confirm, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Director of Nursing in order to coordinate Agency visits.
• Participate with the staff, the patient, and the physician in discharge activities and completes an Occupational Therapy Discharge Summary.
• Assume responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations and individual research and reading.
• Obtain a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.
• Evaluate the patient, the patient’s significant other(s) and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the patient, and what other Agency and community services will be required.
• Assure that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes.
• Ensures compliance with agency policies and procedures regarding operations/processes, including but not limited to those regarding patient care, patient complaints, incidents, safety and emergency management.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding infection prevention, control, standard precautions, and infection identification reporting.
• The clinical record shall contain notes for each service provided. A clinical note will be completed for each visit made to a patient’s home (including private residence, assisted living facility, group homes or skilled nursing facility) within 48 hours of the visit.
• Always maintains patient confidentiality, including all HIPAA regulations.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

Industry experience

• Must have at least one year of Home Health Care.
• Comprehensive knowledge of general therapy theory and practice and able to work independently.

Regulatory Requirements

• Licensed or registered in the State of Michigan.
• Must pass a criminal background check & MVR check.
• Completed health statement acknowledging ability to perform the duties of the position.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• Proof of current automobile insurance.
• Current CPR card; On-line CPR certification accepted; Hands-on CPR certification preferred.
• TB testing per agency policy; (1 or 2 step TB skin test within 12 months of hire & annual TB symptom screening thereafter).