OT - FT

PACS•San Diego, CA

6d•$50 - $58

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist evaluates patients within 24 hours, or one business day, of a physician referral. If an evaluation cannot be completed within that timeframe, the reason for the delay must be documented in the medical record. The therapist develops an effective treatment plan and obtains approval for services from the referring physician, then treats patients according to the physician-approved plan. The role includes supervising Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), aides, and students; assisting the nursing department with training Restorative Aides; and coordinating with supervisors and other members of the health team about patient progress, problems, and plans. The therapist participates in patient care conferences, utilization review and rehabilitation conferences as needed, staff in-service training, and discharge planning. The therapist also instructs families and nursing staff on maintenance programs and caregiver training in preparation for discharge. The therapist maintains evaluations, treatment notes, progress notes, recertification documentation, and records of treatment changes in accordance with the Occupational Therapy Board State Practice Act, facility policies, and governmental and third-party payer requirements. The therapist recommends and facilitates ordering durable medical equipment to support patient independence, reports equipment problems, and relates positively and effectively with patients or residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy; graduates of a master’s or doctorate program are preferred. The employee must be licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the state, maintain a license in good standing, and meet continuing education requirements. Computer skills, including experience entering data into programs such as Casamba and Point Click Care, are required. The work environment usually has low to moderate noise. The position involves frequent standing or walking, reaching, pushing or pulling, talking or hearing, and tasting or smelling, along with occasional sitting, climbing and other postural activities, and substantial exertion to move objects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the state; must maintain a license in good standing.
Must meet state continuing education requirements.
Proficient computer skills, including entering data 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 mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
Ability to meet the position’s physical demands, including frequent standing or walking, reaching, pushing or pulling, communication, and exertion to move objects.

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 reason for any delay.
Develop treatment plans, obtain referring physician approval, and treat patients according to the approved plan.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Supervise COTAs, aides, and students in accordance with the state practice act.
Communicate patient progress, problems, and plans to the supervisor and other health team members.
Participate in patient care conferences, utilization review meetings, and rehabilitation conferences as needed.
Participate in in-service training for facility staff.
Record evaluations, daily treatment notes, weekly progress notes, recertification documentation, and treatment changes as required by applicable standards and policies.
Instruct families and nursing staff in maintenance programs and caregiver training in preparation for discharge.
Participate in discharge planning.
Recommend and facilitate orders for durable medical equipment to support patient independence.
Report department equipment problems so equipment can be maintained in good working order.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with patients or residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.