Occupational Therapist

JOB OBJECTIVE: Provides treatment and evaluation upon physician referral according to the American Occupational Therapy Association and facility standards/procedures. Provides comprehensive management and treatment of clients to improve quality of life via assisting in the improvement of and/or the prevention of decline in functional ADL, motor ability, and cognitive skills. These skills may be impaired by disease, developmental delay, aging process, or trauma. Works with the wellness team to continuously assess the therapy needs of all residents..  Develop and execute programming or collaborate with the wellness team that both supports and challenges individuals to maintain or increase their wellness across all dimensions. Works together with all members of the community to uphold and further the mission, vision, principles, and values of Saint John's.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate of an accredited occupational therapy program or completion of the AOTA career mobility program, or graduate of a World Federation of Occupational Therapy WFOT-approved occupational therapy program; successful completion of a minimum of six months, Level II Fieldwork experience: successful completion of AOTA Certification Examination for Occupational Therapist-Registered. Current AOTA certification: licensed as an occupation therapist where required by state law.
2. Must have CPR/First Aid certifications or become certified in first 6 months of employment.
3. Must have effective verbal and written communications skills.
4. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs including at minimum Word, Excel and Outlook. Working knowledge of EHR systems is preferred.
5. Must have the ability to adapt to changing organization needs and work flexible client/resident scheduling capability to meet needs. Takes appropriate risks (actions) in responding to “customer’s needs”. Responds to changing needs without excessive need for set rules or procedures.
6. Must have excellent organization and verbal and written communication skills, be dependable, patient, and flexible. Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team with enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity.
7. Must be professional in actions, neat attire appropriate to the position, excellent customer service skills, and desire to work with and serve older adults.

ESSENTIONAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES and ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Consistently achieves established productivity goals
• Evaluate and treat residents
• Secure/interpret physicians’ referral before initiating an evaluation or treatment to understand fully the prescribed treatment.
• Evaluate/review resident’s status to determine therapy need and to effectively plan/implement a treatment program.
• Develop/implement treatment plans to provide resident with appropriate plan of therapy care.
• Record/document evaluation and progress according to Saint John’s and departmental quality indicators, protocols and generally accepted standards of practice.
• Participate in resident/family education.

• Provide/give support to residents and significant others establishing a rapport to counsel residents and significant others concerning the condition and treatment of the resident.
• Communicate/collaborate with interdisciplinary team members, staff, and community members in order to enhance coordination of service provided and to act as a consultant.
• Participate in staffing/discharge planning.
• Regularly screen residents not currently on caseload to determine potential benefit of therapy intervention.
• Provide staff education/in-services.
• Attend committee meetings.
• Respond with tact and proper conduct when dealing with residents, the public, families, physicians, and fellow employees.
• Assure a safe environment and reduces risks for residents, staff, and visitors.
• Assist in the development and implementation of department policies and programs.
• Work/perform efficiently and effectively supporting Saint John’s and departmental goals in order to provide quality care in a cost-effective manner.
• Maintain/develop a high level of skills and competency in the field of occupational therapy in order to incorporate new skills and technology into the duties of this positions.
• Assures that all resident/client rights are always maintained. Reports any violations or suspected deviations immediately, according to Saint John's policy.
• Maintains confidentiality of all department and organizational information.
• Knows and follows existing lines of communication and authority.\
• Works tactfully and cooperatively with residents, clients, families, visitors, and staff throughout the organization.
• Attends in-services, meetings, seminars as required and changes schedule or works overtime to meet the needs of the residents.
• Ability to conduct and interpret appropriate occupational therapy assessments and standardized test in accordance with current best practice standards.
• Develop, collaborate with, and lead therapeutic classes consistent with appropriate jobholder profession and/or experience that meet various resident and employee interests as needed or requested in the wellness department.
• Monitors and follows procedures to maintain the Saint John’s facilities safety, cleanliness, and excellent appearance.
• Monitor and clean or arrange for cleaning of all exercise equipment as needed in the department.
• Assures that resident/employee rights are maintained at all times. Reports any violations or suspected deviations immediately, according to Saint John’s policy.
• Ability to maintain a person-first focus, treating others with respect and integrity.