PRN - Occupational Therapist

Summary 

The Occupational Therapist is a registered professional who provides skilled occupational therapy service on an intermittent basis to clients in their homes. These services are performed in accordance with the physician's orders and Occupational Therapy Evaluation and Plan of Care.  

Overall responsibilities and limitations include: 

1. Initial and ongoing assessments to determine level of functioning, including OASIS assessment at appropriate time points. 

1. Assists in the admission of the client to the Agency by: 

• Obtaining a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition. 

• Evaluating the client's significant other(s), and situation to determine what health teaching will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the client, and what other agency and community services will be required. 

• Interpreting Occupational Therapy and other services of the agency to client and family as a part of planning for care. 

• Assuring appropriateness of physician's orders and discussing necessary changes. 

1. Developing, revising and implementation of the plan of care in consultation with the physician and others of the interdisciplinary client care plan as it pertains to Occupational Therapy in consultation with the physician. 

1. Provides skilled Occupational Therapy as outlined below and after consultation with the physician. 

• Assists the physician in evaluating the client's level of function by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures. 

• Guides and instructs the client in prescribed therapeutic self-care and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning. -- 

• Instructs client in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthotic devices. 

• Teaches and supervises and counsels the family and client in the total occupational therapy program and other related problems of the client at home. 

• Establishes goals based on the client's current level of functioning and potential for improvement and performs re-evaluations as indicated. 

1. Responsible for the implementation and evaluation of short term and long-term goals. 

1. Responsible for the evaluation with outcomes of care. 

1. Makes arrangements for outpatient services which cannot be given in the home. Evaluates the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention and updates the client care plan as needed. 

1. Communicates with the physician on a regular basis regarding client's status, obtaining additional orders, if necessary. 

1. Prepares clinical/progress notes on the day of the visit which are incorporated into the chart within 72 hours and include: 

• Initial assessment 

• Clinical progress notes 

1. Responsible for planning for discharge. 

1. Communicates with other team members and, when appropriate, instructs them in occupational therapy techniques that they may use while working with the client. 

1. Participates in agency activities, in-services, meetings, when appropriate. 

1. Participates in QAPI Program. 

1. Supervises the Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) at least every 30 days. 

1. Communicates effectively with all those providing care. 

1. Supervises the Home Health Aide every two weeks when Occupational Therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the client's care. 

1. Participates with staff, client, and physician in discharge activities and completes the Occupational Therapy discharge summary within the designated framework of the Agency policies. 

1. Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Director of Nursing to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel. 

1. Notifies Agency of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation periods, or special professional meetings which will affect agreed services with the Agency. 

1. Assumes 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 organization meetings and individual research and reading. 

Education, Experience & Job Requirements 

This position requires at least the following minimum requirements:  

• Licensed or registered by the State.  

• Has at least one (1) year of institutional experience.  

• Graduate of an occupational therapist school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the A.M.A., in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association or its equivalent. Preferably American Occupational Therapy Association. 

Driving & Other Requirements 

Must have and maintain a valid state driver license, have a registered and reliable vehicle that meets state law standards, and meets the insurance standards of company. Position requires the ability to drive extensively in a geographic area. Must be able to access clients' homes which will not be routinely wheelchair accessible.