SMMC Acute (Adult) OT I - Full-time

Sharp HealthCare•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Evaluates, plans, directs, and administers occupational therapy modalities prescribed by a licensed physician. Helps patients reach their maximum performance and functioning while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The role also contributes to departmental operations and performance improvement, including continuous quality improvement activities. The therapist evaluates and treats patients in a cost-effective and appropriate manner based on diagnosis, age, and culture; assesses and addresses pain that affects function or participation; and evaluates treatment outcomes. The therapist coordinates care with physicians and interdisciplinary teams, provides patient and family education, supports safe use of therapeutic equipment and procedures, and develops discharge plans that help maintain patient well-being after services end. The role participates in departmental initiatives, meetings, chart reviews, committees, and system-wide activities when requested. Documentation must be timely, complete, accurate, and compliant with Sharp HealthCare, professional, payer, and regulatory requirements. For therapists working in a CCS-designated NICU, CCS paneling is required within six months of hire; CCS-paneled staff review and supervise services provided by non-paneled personnel as required by licensure and CCS guidelines.

Requirements

California Occupational Therapist license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professionals (AHA BLS Healthcare) certification.
For therapists functioning in a CCS-designated NICU, obtain CCS paneling within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of an approved school of Occupational Therapy, or graduate of an accredited college or university with a certificate in Occupational Therapy.
Experience in all aspects of occupational therapy.

Responsibilities

Evaluate, plan, direct, and administer physician-prescribed occupational therapy modalities.
Evaluate and treat patients in a manner appropriate to their diagnosis, age, and culture, and within the scope of care.
Assess patient pain that interferes with function or treatment participation and provide intervention.
Perform and reassess patient assessments according to policy; evaluate outcomes and report significant changes or abnormal findings to management or physicians.
Coordinate patient care with interdisciplinary team members, including through conferences, rounds, staffing, and patient meetings.
Develop and evaluate teaching plans based on identified learning needs, including family participation when appropriate.
Use modalities, equipment, and therapeutic procedures safely and knowledgeably.
Develop discharge plans and goals that support patient well-being during and after service; collaborate with Case Managers on therapy referrals and transitions for infants discharged to local CCS Medical Therapy Programs or Units.
For CCS-paneled therapists, recommend appropriate outpatient services and, with a physician order, assist with referrals to outpatient therapy.
Complete timely, legible, concise, accurate documentation, including applicable plans of care, education records, billing, and discharge plans.
Maintain records pertinent to departmental operations and meet professional, Sharp HealthCare, payer, and regulatory documentation requirements.
Participate in departmental goals and initiatives, clinical and operational projects, CQI activities, staff meetings, chart reviews, committees, and system-wide activities when requested.
Communicate patient-care and departmental issues; suggest resolutions to operational issues and provide unit-specific information to students, floats, and registry personnel.
Adapt to changes in schedules and assignments, complete additional assignments and regulatory requirements, meet department productivity standards, and use time effectively.
Maintain departmental cleanliness and safety, set priorities, and adjust to unscheduled situations.
Complete a development plan and maintain satisfactory performance.
Participate in weekly team meetings and discharge meetings; participate in weekly interdisciplinary rounds when functioning in the NICU.