Occupational Therapist - Per Diem - Days

Mohawk Valley Health System•City of Utica, NY

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist evaluates, plans, and provides occupational therapy treatment programs for patients whose injury or disease interferes with daily functioning. The role provides skilled interventions using appropriate techniques to achieve identified goals, restore function, or prevent disability. The position may work in an inpatient, outpatient, or home care setting and requires travel to other worksites within the region. The Occupational Therapist assesses patients across the lifespan, establishes individualized plans of care with patients and caregivers, provides treatment, monitors outcomes, and updates care plans. The role also supports discharge planning, patient and family education, adaptive equipment recommendations, orthotic devices, interdisciplinary collaboration, timely documentation, safety, and continuous quality improvement. The position provides clinical supervision and direction to Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, students, rehabilitation aides, and support staff as assigned.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science or master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Ability to travel to other worksites within the region.
New York State license as an Occupational Therapist.
Current BLS certification.

Responsibilities

Assess patients of all ages in accordance with their diagnoses and physician orders.
Establish short- and long-term goals and plans of care in collaboration with patients, families, and caregivers.
Implement individualized occupational therapy treatment programs.
Use occupational therapy procedures and techniques appropriate to patients’ diagnoses and prognoses.
Evaluate treatment effects and update plans of care as needed.
Develop discharge or follow-up plans, including recommendations for ongoing services, home programs, adaptations, equipment, and community resources.
Implement and evaluate patient education plans, including family teaching.
Provide supportive communication to promote patients’ morale and self-esteem.
Evaluate and recommend adaptive equipment; design, fabricate, and apply orthotic devices; and instruct patients and families in their use and care.
Attend case conferences and discharge planning meetings and report information about patients’ functioning and goals.
Consult and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team and make appropriate referrals.
Conduct or simulate home evaluations and recommend changes or equipment to support patients’ functioning at home.
Complete accurate and timely documentation and submit patient charges promptly.
Communicate patient or problem issues to supervisors, physicians, families, and staff, and report anticipated adverse outcomes or medical changes.
Provide care in a manner that supports patient and therapist safety and reduces the likelihood of medical or health care errors.
Keep current with occupational therapy treatment trends and best practices, including techniques, modalities, equipment, and exercise programs.
Comply with regulations, professional standards, and MVHS policies.
Assist with new staff orientation and provide clinical supervision to COTA and OT students.
Maintain positive, collaborative working relationships within the department and with other departments.
Participate in departmental performance improvement and Continuous Quality Improvement activities.
Provide clinical supervision and direction to Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, students, rehabilitation aides, and support staff as assigned.
Perform related duties as assigned.