Occupational Therapist - Apache Junction (PT)

PACS Group•Apache Junction, AZ

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist evaluates patients within 24 hours or one business day of physician referral, documenting the reason if an evaluation is delayed. The therapist develops treatment plans, obtains approval from referring physicians, treats patients according to physician plans, and communicates patient progress and care plans with supervisors and other health team members. The role supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, aides, and students; assists nursing staff in training Restorative Aides; and participates in patient care conferences, utilization review and rehabilitation meetings, staff in-service training, and discharge planning. The therapist maintains evaluations, treatment notes, progress notes, recertification records, and treatment-change documentation in accordance with applicable practice acts, policies, and payer requirements. The therapist also trains families and nursing staff in maintenance programs and caregiving, recommends and facilitates durable medical equipment orders, and reports equipment problems. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy, a current state occupational therapist license in good standing, and ongoing continuing education as required by state practice rules. Proficiency with computer data entry, including programs such as Casamba and Point Click Care, is expected. The role involves frequent standing and walking, reaching, pushing and pulling, and communication, as well as occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. It may require exerting more than 100 pounds of force occasionally, more than 50 pounds frequently, and more than 20 pounds constantly. The work environment is usually low to moderately noisy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the state; license must remain in good standing with the state board.
Meet continuing education requirements under state practice rules.
Proficient computer skills, including data entry into programs such as Casamba and Point Click Care.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-form instructions.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent standing or walking, reaching, pushing or pulling, and specified levels of exertion.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of a Master’s or Doctorate program in Occupational Therapy.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patients within 24 hours or one business day of physician referral, documenting the cause of any delay.
Develop treatment plans and obtain approval for services from referring physicians.
Treat patients according to physician treatment plans.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants in direct patient care and related activities in accordance with the state practice act.
Communicate patient progress, problems, and plans with supervisors and other health team members.
Participate as needed in Patient Care Conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation Conferences.
Participate in in-service training programs for facility staff.
Document evaluations, daily treatment notes, weekly progress notes, recertification documentation, and treatment changes in accordance with applicable practice acts, policies, and payer requirements.
Instruct patients’ families or nursing staff in maintenance programs and caregiver training in preparation for discharge from therapy services.
Participate in discharge planning.
Recommend and facilitate orders for durable medical equipment to support patient independence and mobility.
Report department equipment problems so equipment can be maintained in good working order.
Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, aides, and students.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with patients or residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.