Occupational Therapist, Home Health - PRN

Mercyhealth Visiting Nurses Association•Rockford, IL

12d•Remote

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist for Home Health evaluates patients in the home setting and develops an occupational therapy treatment plan for patients suffering from injuries, neurological conditions, developmental delays, or muscle, nerve, joint and bone disease; to restore function and prevent disability. This role involves evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic programs to improve functional activities and daily living. The therapist will also recommend and adapt equipment, instruct patients and families, administer treatments, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Additionally, the role includes recording patient progress, assisting with training new staff, and participating in quality improvement processes.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited program in Occupational Therapy.
License to practice Occupational Therapy in the state of Wisconsin and/or Illinois.
Registered by NBCOT or eligible for certification and registration.
Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days of hire.
For those driving Mercyhealth vehicles: Maintain a valid driver's license. Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.
For those driving their personal vehicles: Maintain a valid driver's license and reliable transportation with proof of vehicle insurance when requested. Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.

Nice To Haves

Home Health experience preferred.
Oasis certification or other approved therapy certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews Physician's referral, patient's condition and medical records to determine occupational therapy treatment required.
Obtains history and subjective components of the evaluation.
Test and measures patient's range-of-joint motion, grip/pinch strength, sensation, coordination, functional muscle strength, balance, ADL/IADL status, and cognitive status in the home setting to assist with the evaluation.
Completes an assessment of patient's current status, develops goals and a treatment plan with recommendations.
Plans and implements therapeutic programs and activities designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance task performances, diminish or correct pathology, and to promote and maintain health and self-sufficiency.
Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities and daily living activities.
Recommends, designs and adapts equipment for the working and living environment.
Modifies splints and other assistive devices as needed.
Assists in instructing patient and family in home programs as well as care and use of adaptive equipment.
Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, mobilization of tissue and joints, heat, water, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot and cold packs.
Confers with members of occupational therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs.
Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit.
Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's electronic medical chart thoroughly and timely.
Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home.
Confers with Physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate occupational therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care.
Assists in the orientation and training of new staff members.
Participates in the PI and CQI process through committees as needed.
Assist with the supervisory visits of HHA if indicated.
Coordinates and provides training for annual HHA competency skills fair.
Provides supervision for COTA and HHA within the guidelines of state licensing and regulations.