OT (Occupational Therapist)

PURPOSE:

An Occupational Therapist (OT) administers occupational therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with the physician's orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Director of Nursing.

POLICY:

Responsibilities

1. Understand and adheres to established Agency policies and procedures

2. Improves or minimizes residual physical disabilities of the patient

3. Returns the individual to optimum and productive living within the patient's capabilities

4. Periodically participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning

5. Provides prescribed occupational therapy

6. Directs and supervises personnel as required

7. Performs and documents a COTA Supervisory visit every thirty days with or without the COTA present.

8. Takes initial history and make initial evaluation

9. Performs are skilled procedures

10. Consults with physicians regarding changes in treatment

11. Writes reports to physicians regarding patient's progress

12. Instructs patients/family members in home programs and fine motor movement exercises

13. An initial evaluation, including plan of treatment and goals, must be completed and submitted to the physician for approval. A recertification by physician every 60 days is necessary, if further treatment is to be continued. A progress note is written for every visit. A reevaluation is written when expected duration of treatment is reached. A summary is written upon patient's discharge

14. Periodically presents an in-service to the Agency Staff

15. Assists the physician in evaluating level of function

16. Helps develop the plan of care and revise as necessary

17. Prepares clinical and progress notes

18. Advises and consults with the family and other Agency personnel as necessary

19. Participates in in-service programs

20. Other duties as may be assigned.

Job Conditions

1. Works in office area as well as in patient homes with frequent movement during working hours.

2. The ability to drive and the ability to access client's homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible

3. Position is stressful in terms of responsibilities and meeting deadlines and is subject to frequent interruptions.

4. Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform physical assessment of the client's condition and to perform client care

5. On occasion it may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move client weight up to 250 pounds; lift and or carry up to 30 pounds

6. Must be able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing with the medical staff, nursing service, and other department directors.

7. Risk of blood borne pathogens is limited

8. Is involved with patients, personnel, visitors, government agencies/personnel, etc, under all conditions and circumstances.

9. Works beyond normal working hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.

Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).

1. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, disease, conditions, etc., including TB and the Aids and

Hepatitis B viruses.

1. Is subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, etc.

2. Attends and participates in continuing education programs.

3. Is subject to injury from falls, burns from equipment, odors, etc., throughout the workday, as well as to reactions from dust, disinfectants, tobacco smoke, and other air contaminants.

Equipment Operation

1. Requires the ability to utilize a PC, calculator, multi-line telephone, and other office related equipment.

2. Use of BP cuff, thermometer, and stethoscope

3. Computer basics – data entry

Company Information

1. Has access to all client medical records which can be discussed with all management staff, including

Administrator and Director of Nursing.

Qualifications

1. Graduate of an Occupational Therapy Curriculum accredited jointly by the Committee on Allied Health

Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational

Therapy Association (AOTA) and or certified by successfully completing the National Certification

Examination, or

1. Is eligible for the National Registration examination of the American Occupational Therapy Association

2. Currently licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the state where work is to be performed.

3. Two (2) years experience, preferred

Work Location: On the road