Occupational Therapist

Home Health Occupational Therapist (OT)

Position Summary

The Home Health Occupational Therapist (OT) provides skilled occupational therapy services to primarily geriatric patients in their homes and/or Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs). The OT evaluates patients' functional abilities, develops individualized treatment plans, and implements therapeutic interventions designed to maximize independence, safety, and quality of life. The therapist works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, caregivers, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Essential Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations in accordance with physician orders and agency policies.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans based on patient needs, goals, and functional limitations.
• Provide therapeutic interventions to improve performance in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
• Assess and address deficits related to strength, coordination, balance, cognition, range of motion, and functional mobility.
• Evaluate home and ALF environments and recommend modifications, adaptive equipment, and safety strategies to reduce fall risk and promote independence.
• Educate patients, family members, caregivers, and facility staff regarding treatment plans, home exercise programs, and safety recommendations.
• Monitor patient progress and modify treatment plans as clinically appropriate.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in accordance with agency, Medicare, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and communicate effectively with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient status and care plans.
• Maintain compliance with all federal, state, and agency policies and regulations.

Qualifications

Required:

• Current Occupational Therapist license in the state of Virginia.
• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel within assigned service area.
• Strong clinical assessment, communication, and documentation skills.

Preferred:

• Minimum one year of home health experience.
• Experience treating geriatric patient populations.
• Working knowledge of Medicare home health regulations and documentation standards.
• Experience with Kinnser/WellSky electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to work independently while managing a flexible patient schedule.
• Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and patient education abilities.
• Ability to establish rapport with elderly patients and caregivers.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in electronic documentation systems.

Work Environment

• Field-based position providing care in patients' private residences and Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs).
• Frequent local travel between patient locations.
• Primary patient population consists of geriatric adults with a variety of medical, neurological, orthopedic, and chronic health conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.
• Ability to safely assist patients with transfers, mobility, and functional activities.
• Ability to transport therapy materials and equipment as needed.

Preferred Candidate Profile: An experienced, compassionate Occupational Therapist who enjoys working with older adults in a home health setting and is comfortable providing autonomous, patient-centered care in the home and ALF environment.