Occupational Therapist / Driver Rehab Specialist

University of Vermont Health Network•Colchester, VT

11d•$83,096 - $124,654•Onsite

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist/Driver Rehabilitation Specialist provides direct patient care through evaluations, consultations, and treatment programs based on functional limitations and patient needs. The role is part of the University of Vermont Medical Center’s Driver Rehabilitation team, a small team of occupational therapists who are Vermont Driving School Instructors and Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialists. Driver rehabilitation services support people whose conditions may affect their ability to drive safely, including new or potential drivers, people with low vision, senior drivers, and drivers who need adaptive equipment. Services are provided in the clinic and in two adaptable driver training vehicles. The specialist designs, implements, and modifies therapeutic interventions, which may include therapeutic exercise, behind-the-wheel training, adaptive equipment prescription training, and education related to driving and community mobility. The role also involves educating patients about their diagnoses and implications for driving, collaborating with healthcare professionals and regulatory entities, maintaining clinical skills and credentials, and completing documentation and billing in accordance with applicable standards and requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree or higher from an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
Licensed or eligible to be licensed to practice occupational therapy in Vermont.
Three to five years of experience is ideal.

Nice To Haves

Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist (CDRS) certification; if not already certified, it must be completed within two years of hire.
Vermont Driving School Instructor License; if not already licensed, it must be completed within two years of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care, including evaluations, consultations, and treatment programs based on functional limitations and patient needs.
Design, implement, and modify therapeutic interventions, including therapeutic exercise, behind-the-wheel training, adaptive equipment prescription training, and patient education related to driving and community mobility skills.
Educate patients about their current diagnoses and implications for driving.
Communicate regularly with healthcare professionals, including physicians and case managers, and with regulatory entities such as the DMV to support treatment outcomes and implementation of driving recommendations.
Develop clinic skills through continuing education, professional contacts, journal articles, and participation in professional organizations.
Participate in clinical staff education, meetings, and quality improvement projects supporting current best practice.
Complete daily documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with UVMMC standards, laws, and regulatory requirements.
Manage caseload effectively and use strong time-management, organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
Maintain complete and accurate billing practices and assist the front desk with insurance authorizations.
Protect patients’ rights by maintaining confidentiality of personal and financial information.
Maintain Certified Driver Rehabilitation Specialist status by meeting ADED continuing education requirements and keeping membership current.
Maintain Vermont state Driver Instructor Certification by meeting continuing education requirements and renewal fees.