Job Description

Position Description

The Occupational Therapist (OT) is a qualified professional who assists the Physician in evaluating level of function, helps develop the plan of treatment (revising as necessary), prepares clinical and progress notes, advises and consults with the family and other agency personnel, and participates in In-service programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

* Provides treatment as ordered by the attending Physician
* Assists the Physician in evaluating level-of-function by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures
* Evaluates and establishes goals based on the patients current level-of-functioning and potential for improvement
* Assists in developing and updating the plan of treatment. Participates in case conferences as requested
* Guides and instructs the patient in prescribed therapeutic, self-care, and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning
* Establishes household management routines
* Observes, records, and reports to the Physician the patient's reaction to the therapy program or any changes in the patient's condition
* Documents each visit made to the patient and incorporates notes into the clinical record at least weekly
* Prepares written discharge summary
* Advises, consults, and instructs patients and their families in the use of prosthetic, orthotic, assistive devices, and adaptive equipment
* Instructs, teaches, and supervises the family in the patient's total occupational therapy program
* Instructs, teaches, and supervises other health team personnel in the case of patients regarding occupational therapy
* Evaluates the home environment and makes appropriate recommendations
* Re-assesses patient for effectiveness related to goals, continuing or discontinuing service, changes to goals or care plan update, objective evidence or statement of expectation of continued progress toward goals at least every 30 days
* Supervises Occupational Therapy Assistant(s) as applicable and adheres to all rules, regulations, codes of ethics, guidelines, and codes in federal, state, and local laws which are concerned with the practice of occupational therapy; and adheres to the policies established by the Agency
* May supervise hospice aide in lieu of a registered nurse if O.T. is the only service provided
* Participates in staff development activities, which may include providing in-service training to other hospice personnel, attends paramedical in-service meetings and combined paramedical and nursing In-service meetings
* Communicated and coordinated activity/progress with other members of the team
* Participates in Performance Improvement Activities
* Performs other job-related duties as assigned

REQUIRED Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

* Is currently licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the State of practice
* Is a graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the Council on Education of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association
* Has two (2) years of appropriate experience as an O.T. and has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service except that such determinations of proficiency do not apply with respect to persons initially licensed by a state or seeking initial qualification as an O.T. after December 31, 1977
* Must have a valid drivers license as well as have and maintain an automobile to be used for work