Occupational Therapist

NORTHERN COUNTIES HEALTH CARE INC•Saint Johnsbury, VT

About The Position

As an Occupational Therapist with our team, you’ll empower patients to overcome barriers and rediscover confidence in their daily lives. Join a collaborative, compassionate environment where individualized care plans and strong interdisciplinary support allow you to truly make a difference in the communities we serve. Job Summary: The occupational therapist provides direct patient care to improve, regain, or maintain patients’ safety and independence with daily function in the home setting, in accordance with acceptable standards.

Requirements

Graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Demonstrates good verbal and written communication, and organization skills.
Possess and maintains current CPR Certification.
Licensed driver with automobile that is in good working order and insured in accordance with the organization requirements.

Responsibilities

Evaluates patient’s functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc.).
Evaluates home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living.
Identifies equipment needs.
Participates in the development of the total plan of care.
Develops and implements treatment program and establishes goals for improved function.
Communicates plan of care to referring physician and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
Assesses patient progress toward goals and adjusts treatment program as appropriate.
Teaches new skills or retrains patient/caregiver in once familiar daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury.
Educates a patient’s family about how to safely care for or assist the patient.
Recommends and teaches patients how to use adaptive equipment that will assist them with activities of daily living.
May fabricate splints and instruct patient in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function.
May train patient in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.
Maintains appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and reports to the physician any changes in the patient’s condition.
Maintains contact/communication with other personnel involved in the patient’s care to promote coordinated, efficient care.
For patients who plan to return to work, the occupational therapist may perform work capacity evaluation and may refer to specialized vocational training.