Occupational Therapist

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses patient condition, establishes goals, treatments and care plan in conjunction with the physician, patient/family.
• Ensures that appropriate treatment is performed in interdisciplinary fashion, consulting with physicians about impact of occupational therapy factors on the patient’s health status.
• Documents findings, treatments and other patient information for the medial record.
• Educates patient/family on appropriate care and use of various therapies/exercises.
• Serves as information/education resource for patients, families and staff.
• Supervises Occupational Therapy Assistants and Therapy Technicians in course of patient care
• Serves as a resource to Rehabilitation staff.
• Fabricates and modifies splints and braces
• Assists the director with patient care issues as needed.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Participate in team meetings as needed.

The job holder must demonstrate current competencies for job position.

EDUCATION:

Requires a master’s degree or a Bachelor’s degree if degreed program was grandfathered. Current certification as an Occupational Therapist.

EXPERIENCE:

Seeking an Occupational Therapist with experience in an outpatient therapy clinic, preferably with a focus on orthopedic and upper extremity conditions. Candidates who are Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) or are actively pursuing CHT certification are strongly encouraged to apply.

REQUIREMENTS:

Current Louisiana state license.

SUMMARY:

This position focuses on the evaluation and treatment of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder orthopedic conditions. The therapist will work with a diverse patient population recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions, helping restore strength, mobility, and function in the upper extremity.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, standards and applications.
• Knowledge of upper extremity anatomy, biomechanics, and familiarity with orthopedic protocols.
• Familiarity with splinting principles and post-operative rehabilitation guidelines
• Knowledge of clinic policies, procedures, regulations, safety/infection control, and quality control.
• Knowledge of how to use therapy equipment.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.

SKILLS:

1. Skilled in evaluation and treatment of hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder conditions
2. Proficient in manual therapy, therapeutic exercise prescription, and neuromuscular re-education techniques (or willingness to train)

3. Ability to fabricate or adjust custom splints and orthoses (or willingness to train)

4. Strong communication skills with patients, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members

5. Effective clinical reasoning and decision-making to deliver individualized, evidence-based care

6. Competency in EMR systems for documentation of evaluations, progress notes, and outcomes

7. Recognition of patient safety and fall risks with appropriate intervention strategies

8. Skill in effectively communicating with in-house as well as external physicians and referral sources as well as skills germane to clinicians such as planning, problem solving, decision making, and motivating others.

ABILITIES:

• Ability to establish/maintain effective working relationships with patients, providers and staff.
• Ability to communicate clearly and timely in verbal and written form.
• Ability to be a resource to patients and staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment. Some travel within community between locations may be needed.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment. Some bending and stretching required. Manual dexterity using a calculator and computer keyboard. Requires occasional support all size patients in transfers. Ability to lift 50 lbs. floor to waist. Demands of kneeling, squatting, overhead lifting, upper extremity motion, and strength to perform range of motion and mobilization exercises on patients.

ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• LOS employee handbook must be read, and acknowledgement receipt signed.
• OSHA Requirements and training.
• Adherence to LOS OIG Compliance Program

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.