Occupational Therapist

Overview

Occupational therapists is responsible for treating injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties (at least 5 that are non‐negotiable duties and are absolutely pertinent to successfully completing the job without accommodations):

 Helps patient develop or regain physical or mental functioning or adjust to disabilities by implementing programs involving manual arts and crafts, practice in functional, prevocational, vocational, and homemaking skills, activities of daily living, and sensorimotor, educational, recreational, and social activities; directing aides, technicians, and assistants. Develop a treatment plan for patients, laying out the types of activities and specific goals to be accomplished. Conducting physical and psychological assessments of clients and developing or following a treatment plan. Observe patients doing tasks, ask them questions, and review their medical history.

 Evaluate a patient's condition and needs. Evaluate a patient’s home or workplace and, based on the patient’s health needs, identify potential improvements, educate patient’s family and employer about how to accommodate and care for the patient Recommend special equipment, such as wheelchairs and eating aids, and instruct patients on how to use that equipment Assess and record patients’ activities and progress for patient evaluations, for billing, and for reporting to physicians and other healthcare providers Advising on adaptive equipment to help clients with daily activities. Developing physical rehabilitation programs to help clients regain lost skills. Educating caregivers and family members of clients on patient care. Evaluating results and progress of occupational therapy on clients. Complying with federal, state, and local certification requirements. Evaluating patient condition regarding physical and basic mental health. Examining the condition of patients and analyzing their needs. Promotes maximum independence by selecting and constructing therapies according to individual's physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest. Evaluates results of occupational therapy by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending and implementing adjustments and modifications. Completes discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences. Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing and instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow‐up programs. Documents patient care services in the medical record. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs. Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

 Excellent ability of matching patient needs to treatment plans and proven record of implementing these plans safely and effectively. Strong ability of administering a wide range of occupational therapy techniques Excellent skills of assisting and directing treatments given by aides, technicians, and assistants. Knowledge of responsible use of facility equipment, best practices for equipment use and preventative maintenance procedures. Experience/knowledge of Joint Commission accreditation process and requirements, as well as all federal, state and local regulations and standards associated with the delivery of care in a Federally Qualified Health Center. Demonstrated understanding and/or experience working in a patient‐centered medical home (PCMH) environment. Demonstrated understanding and/or experience working in an integrated delivery environment.

 Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes and related dutiescomply with all regulatory and accreditation standards including The Joint Commission and CommUnityCare Standard Operating Procedures and CommUnityCare Policies and Procedures. Develop and maintain favorable internal relationships, partnerships with co‐workers, including clinical managers, clinical support staff, providers and business office staff. Interact respectfully and collaboratively with patients and their families, striving to develop favorable relationships with families. Collaborate with all members of the care team in providing patient‐centered care. Ensure all actions, job performance, personal conduct and communications represent CommUnityCare in a highly professional manner at all times. Ensure all tasks provided and associated with patient care, patient administrative processes and related duties comply with all regulatory and accreditation standards including The Joint Commission and CommUnityCare Standard Operating Procedures and CommUnityCare Policies and Procedures.

People Management/Department Management/Business Unit Management:

 Assesses learning needs, develops competency plans and provides opportunities for learning

 Participate in quality strategies to evaluate compliance with evidence‐based guidelines, standards and to identify opportunities to improve patient outcomes. Participates in departmental and interdisciplinary committees, which influence or determine policies affecting population health practices. Develop and maintain favorable internal relationships, partnerships with co‐workers, including clinical managers, clinical support staff, providers and business office staff. Plan and implement identified CUC strategies and goals, ensuring that his/her allotted department is working in accordance with such goals. Collaborate with all members of the care team in providing patient‐centered care.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION:Graduate from an Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Accredited School.REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE:Successfully pass the national examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapists (NBCOT).Active and unrestricted license to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the State of Texas.

Current Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) for Healthcare Providers through American Heart Association