The occupational therapist contracted through the Organization is responsible for the implementation of standards of care for occupational therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Service Agreement. The occupational therapist is responsible for the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment and development of the individualized plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s). They provide services ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care, and provide patient, caregiver, and family counseling and education. The occupational therapist communicates with the physician responsible for the home health plan of care and other health care practitioners regarding the current home health plan of care. They evaluate the patient’s functional status, including muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, and work capacity. They also evaluate the home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living and identify equipment needs. For patients planning to return to work, the occupational therapist may perform work capacity evaluation and refer to specialized vocational training. They develop treatment programs and establish goals for improved function. The occupational therapist may teach new skills or retrain patients in once familiar daily activities lost due to illness or injury. They may fabricate splints and instruct patients in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function, and may train patients in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices. They maintain appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and report any changes in the patient’s condition to the physician, submitting these records in accordance with Organization policy. The occupational therapist participates in the HHA’s quality assessment and performance improvement program and HHA-sponsored in-service training, case conferences, and other meetings as required by Organization policy to ensure coordinated and comprehensive plans of care. They identify patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refer as appropriate. They instruct patient’s family/caregiver and other Organization health care personnel in the patient’s treatment regime when indicated and appropriate. They supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants according to organization policy and state regulations. When therapy is the only skilled service, they instruct, supervise, and evaluate home health aide care every two (2) weeks. The occupational therapist participates in discharge planning for the patient. The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by the employee of this job. The employee may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.
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Career Level
Mid Level