Occupational Therapist - Per Diem - Days

Core Job Responsibilities

• Performs appropriate assessments on all patients (neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and general patient population) in accordance with patient diagnosis and physician orders.
• Establishes long and short term goals and a plan of care in collaboration with patient / family / caregiver.
• Implements treatment to patient according to established individualized program plan.
• Uses various occupational therapy procedures and techniques to produce changes in the condition that are consistent with the diagnosis and prognosis.
• Observes and evaluates treatment effect, and updates the plan of care as needed. 
• Formulates a discharge or follow-up plans to include continuation or discontinuation of O.T. services, implementation of home programs, recommendations for adaptations/equipment in patient’s home environment, and community resources in collaboration with patient, family, caregivers and staff.
• Implements an education plan based upon learning needs and evaluates for effectiveness. Includes family in teaching.
• Provides positive supportive communication to enhance patients’ morale and self-esteem.
• Evaluates and makes recommendations regarding adaptive equipment for patients (i.e.: wheelchairs, bathroom equipment, ADL devices, etc.). Designs, fabricates, and applies orthotic devices in accordance with patients’ diagnosis and physician’s orders. Instructs patient and/or family in the application, care and precautions of orthosis and equipment.
• Attends patient case conferences or discharge planning meetings, obtaining and reporting pertinent information regarding patient’s present level of functioning, and future goals/plans.
• Consults and collaborates with interdisciplinary team when needed. Makes appropriate referrals to other practitioners.
• May conduct patient home evaluations via actual visits, gather information regarding home, or simulate with patient/family, and make recommendations for changes or equipment to promote patients’ highest level of functioning within the home.
• Ensures all documentation and reports are complete, accurate and timely. Submits all patient charges promptly. 
• Communicates patient or problem issues appropriately to supervisor, physician, family and staff.
• Anticipates adverse outcomes or medical changes and communicates with referral source and/ or appropriate staff.
• Performs all aspects of care in a manner that optimizes patient and therapist safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Keeps current in trends and best practices in occupational therapy treatment techniques, modalities, equipment, and exercise programs. 
• Complies with all regulations, professional standards and MVHS policies.
• Assists with orientation of new staff members. Provides clinical supervision to COTA and OT students.
• Maintains a positive and collaborative working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Actively participates in departmental performance improvement/Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Provides clinical supervision and direction to Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, students, Rehab Aides, support staff as assigned. 
• Performs related duties as assigned.