General Summary
An exempt position responsible for helping patients improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments. Patients may have conditions that are mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling.
Essential Job Responsibilities
1. Assesses patients and develops treatment plans in collaboration with physicians and other clinicians.
2. Assists patients to develop, recover, or maintain daily living and work skills. Helps patients to improve their basic motor functions and reasoning ability and to compensate for any permanent loss of function to reach the goal of having independent, productive, and satisfying lives.
3. Helps patients in performing a variety of activities from operating a computer to dealing with daily needs such as dressing cooking, and eating.
4. Assists with patients with exercises that increase strength and dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to discern patterns.
5. Uses variety of equipment during treatment including computer programs to help patients improve decision making, abstract reasoning, problem solving, perceptual skills, memory, sequencing, and coordination to aid in independent living.
6. Teaches patients, particularly those with permanent disabilities such as spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or muscular dystrophy, in the use of adaptive equipment including wheelchairs, orthotics, and aids for eating and dressing.
7. Follows medical practice policies related to compliance, safety, and infection control. Documents patient treatment and outcomes in medical record.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from accredited school plus master’s degree in field. Current state occupational therapist license, successful completion of national certification examination. Current CPR certificate.
Experience
Minimum two years of experience, preferably in clinic setting.
Performance Requirements Knowledge
1. Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, standards and applications.
2. Knowledge of physical, biological, and behavioral sciences as well as application of occupational therapy equipment, devices, and patient-specific therapeutic devices. Understanding of how to modify equipment as needed.
3. Knowledge of clinic policies and regulations related to infection control, safety. And quality improvement.
Abilities
1. Ability to collaborate with patients, families, and employers to modify workplace or home environment in line with patient’s condition, including identification of environmental factors and hazards.
2. Ability to communicate with patients and families in caring and compassionate manner to encourage behavioral changes.
3. Ability to analyze patient data and behavior and modify treatment plan as appropriate.
Skills
1. Skill in evaluating and treating patients.
2. Kill in proper use of occupational therapy equipment and devices.
3. Skill in assessing and recording patient activities and progress.
Equipment Operated
Variety of therapeutic equipment including wheelchairs, orthotics, and aids for activities of daily living. Computer hardware and software for record keeping.
Work environment
Medical office and exam room settings. May also require visits to patient homes and workplaces. Exposure to communicable diseases, biohazards, and conditions related to clinic setting.
Mental/Physical Requirements
Involves standing, sitting, walking, bending, stooping, and twisting. Must be able to transport/ transfer patient safely. Occasional need to lift/ carry and move equipment and supplies weighing up to 50+ pounds. Some stress related to dealing with concerns of patients and families.