Occupational Therapist

Summary:

Responsible for assessment and direct administration of occupational therapy modalities of treatment as prescribed by a licensed 
physician.

Essential Functions:

To perform this job, an individual must perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Interacts professionally with patients/families; treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Effectively and appropriately communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers, demonstrating customer service excellence through application of positive language principles, appropriate response and use of constructive problemsolving techniques which foster positive outcomes.
• Ability to perform an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Supervises and delegates the care provided by certified occupational therapy assistants and therapy technicians, therapy aides, students, and other support personnel. Assesses competence, delegates specific tasks, and establishes channels of communication. according to established licensing laws, state regulations and practice standards.
• Administers treatment involving application of physical agent modalities using equipment, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, and ultrasound machines.
• Performs therapy interventions utilizing standard occupational therapy techniques and skills as appropriate for the age and condition of the patient.
• Evaluates, fits, and adjusts prosthetic and orthotic devices and recommend modifications.
• Plans, prepares, and carries out individually designed programs of treatment to maintain, improve or restore physical functioning, alleviate pain and prevent physical dysfunction in patients.

• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Establishes a plan of care which is appropriate to problems identified and involves the patient according to his or her capabilities and desires. Identifies and documents goals, anticipated progress and plans for reevaluation.
• Plans and/or assists with patient discharge from therapy services and treatment setting. Provides information regarding appropriate selection/use of adaptive equipment and support programs.

Non-Essential Functions:
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Ensures an adequate stock of supplies.
• Responsible for minor housekeeping, maintaining department cleanliness and safety, as needed.

Leadership Capabilities:
N/A

Organizational Expectations:
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Maintains a good working relationship within the department and with other departments.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Maintains a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients and families in accordance with hospital standards.
• Complies with all organizational policies and procedures.
• Completes annual education requirements, in a timely manner to maintain regulatory compliance.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and JCAHO regulations.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Cooperates with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives, maintain good employee relations and interdepartmental objectives.
• Communicates and adheres to ES1, Mission and Vision, Core Values, Code of Conduct, Professional Appearance Standards and Ethics and Goals of the facility.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner in the community.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Performs other reasonably related job duties as assigned or requested, within scope of practice.

Qualifications:

Education:
Degree from an Occupational Therapy Program, required

Required Licenses:
Must have a current Mississippi Occupational Therapy License.

Required Certifications:
• National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification required.
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire or transfer.

Required Skills:
• Requirements will include successful completion of orientation checklist and skills/credentials/competency requirements of specific area of work.
• Able to maintain a high awareness of patient satisfaction and teamwork.
• Attention to detail.
• Adaptable to performing well under pressure in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
• Must be flexible, able to work as needed for appropriate departmental coverage.
• Basic computer knowledge; become proficient in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems.
• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment, and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrates proficient time management skills.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.

Additional languages preferred.

Experience:
Preferred