Occupational Therapist

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

10d

About The Position

This position provides occupational therapy to patients whose physical injuries, birth defects, emotional problems, or functional problems interfere with their ability to perform occupational tasks appropriate to their age and level of independence. The role is based on the critical care team and covers the CVICU and other ICU settings; coverage may also include cardiac step-down units. University of Utah Health is a patient-focused organization dedicated to enhancing health and well-being through patient care, research, and education. It emphasizes collaboration, excellence, leadership, respect, compassion, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality, and trust. The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center with five hospitals and eleven clinics.

Requirements

Current licensure to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the State of Utah.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system; the eCredential must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
Ability to administer occupational therapy services and provide work direction to aides, assistants, volunteers, and occupational therapy students.
Ability to identify program needs, develop new areas of activity, and respond to emergency situations.
Ability to develop treatment plans and provide therapy according to individual needs.
Knowledge of current technology, insurance practices, and community resources relevant to quality treatment.
Knowledge of safety issues in patient treatment, including body substance precautions and body mechanics to protect staff, patients, and personnel.
Ability to participate in rotations of work area, weekends, weekday hours, and assigned holidays.
Ability to abide by the ethical guidelines of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served on the assigned unit.
Knowledge of life span growth and development principles and ability to assess patient status and provide care according to departmental policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients' abilities and limitations, including relevant physical, cognitive, developmental, and functional factors.
Establish treatment goals based on evaluations and referral reasons.
Administer occupational therapy according to established plans, using appropriate procedures, equipment, and techniques within the scope of practice.
Educate patients and caregivers about therapy goals, methods for accomplishing goals, home programs, and injury prevention.
Recommend adaptive equipment, complete equipment justification forms, and arrange equipment delivery.
Re-evaluate patients, assess progress, and make discharge recommendations.
Evaluate home or work environments and recommend physical barrier modifications or ergonomic changes.
Consult and co-treat with therapists from other disciplines.
Document patient care according to established criteria.
Participate in continuous quality improvement projects.
Supervise patient care activities of occupational therapy assistants and rehabilitation aides.
Participate in services, medical conferences, staff meetings, continuing education courses, team meetings, and other related activities.
Assist with departmental maintenance and supplies.
Provide in-services for staff, other departments, and the community.