Occupational Therapist

Compassus•Burbank, CA

3d•$47 - $72

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist provides therapy evaluations, treatment planning, implementation, and discharge planning for patients in the home setting, following established ministry policies and maintaining high-quality patient care. As a member of the multidisciplinary Hospice team, the therapist communicates patient-related issues to appropriate team members and agency staff and participates in evaluating whether care at home is appropriate. The role may include responsibility for patients treated by home health aides and orienting staff or students. The therapist evaluates patients’ physical, functional, cognitive, psychological, and perceptual status, as well as caregiver capabilities and home safety. In collaboration with patients and families, the therapist develops and implements plans of care, educates patients and caregivers, coordinates services, documents care, and contributes to team reassessments and discharge planning. The position also involves recommending or adapting equipment, supervising Hospice Aides, managing an assigned caseload, and coordinating with other clinical agencies and community resources.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in acute care, rehabilitation, or home care.
California Occupational Therapist License, required upon hire.
National Provider BLS certification from the American Heart Association, required within 30 days of hire.
Demonstrated occupational therapy assessment and treatment skills.
Knowledge of Medicare Conditions of Participation and other regulatory guidelines.
Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English.
Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
Ability to work effectively with families in crisis while maintaining professional boundaries and personal self-care strategies.
Ability to prioritize assignments, meet productivity and quality standards, work with minimal supervisory guidance, and exercise independent judgment within scope of practice.
Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office Suite programs.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including regular standing and walking, manual dexterity, and lifting or moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Ability to meet visual acuity requirements, including close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
Ability to work in a healthcare setting with expected exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and other conditions typical to the field.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or training in treatment of adult hemiplegia and hand therapy.
Home care experience.
Knowledge of Hospice and palliative care practices.
Knowledge of Electronic Health Record systems.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients’ physical, functional, cognitive, psychological, and perceptual status, along with caregiver capabilities and home safety risks.
Develop therapy plans of care in collaboration with patients and families, communicate those plans to the multidisciplinary Hospice team, and provide care according to physician orders.
Assess treatment effectiveness and modify interventions to help patients achieve their goals.
Educate and counsel patients and families about treatment, goals, safety risks, home exercise programs, and compensatory techniques.
Provide case management, supervision, and coordination of services and resources according to the patient’s care plan.
Document assessments, interventions, and communications accurately and promptly in accordance with standards.
Communicate clinical information and changes to the Hospice Interdisciplinary team, team members, supervisors, agency staff, and external sources as appropriate.
Participate in team reassessments and discharge planning and teach patients or families their discharge therapy program.
Recommend and facilitate appropriate medical or rehabilitation follow-up after Home Infusion or Hospice services end; may provide bereavement visits.
Evaluate and recommend adaptive equipment, assist with obtaining it, and fabricate equipment as needed.
Adapt equipment and techniques for home use to support function and safety; consult or refer patients regarding community resources and barriers.
Coordinate transfer of patient information when complementary therapies are requested or another clinical agency provides care.
Educate ministry staff, hospital staff, and community resources about therapy services for Hospice patients at home.
Make appropriate referrals by maintaining working knowledge of Hospice nursing, MSW, volunteer, chaplain, HHA, and rehabilitation services.
Instruct and supervise Hospice Aides and others in functional skills, exercise, and activity programs that support Hospice goals.
Manage an assigned caseload and communicate plan-of-care changes to the IDG as appropriate or requested.
Contribute to Hospice team functioning through effective time management, communication, clinical judgment, and problem-solving.