Occupational Therapist - Appleton Clinic

Children's Hospital and Health System•Appleton, WI

About The Position

Provides direct occupational therapy care and related services to support coordinated operations across pediatric inpatient, outpatient, and clinic settings. Evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients with a wide range of disabilities, monitors progress, and ensures recommendations are followed. Counsels and instructs patients, families, and medical professionals about rehabilitation needs, and maintains clinical records according to established procedures. The role participates in program planning and development, quality improvement, research-related data collection, and community outreach. It also supports departmental productivity and cost-containment goals, coordinates insurance authorizations and discharge referrals, and contributes to staff and student training. The therapist works with neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, and/or adult patients as appropriate to the care setting and their developmental needs.

Requirements

Master's degree or equivalent in occupational therapy.
BLS-Basic Life Support Healthcare Provider certification through the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or National Safety Council.
NBCOT certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
Wisconsin Occupational Therapist license.
Knowledge of neonatal, pediatric, and adolescent growth and development and child and family responses to fear, illness, injury, and hospitalization.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills for working with patients, families, and medical staff in a team environment.
Ability to represent the organization professionally, serve consumers, and promote a positive image of the organization and its services.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of clinical experience in pediatric occupational therapy, or relevant education.

Responsibilities

Provide occupational therapy evaluations, re-evaluations, and continuing treatment; complete required competencies.
Assess and address the growth, development, and physical functioning needs of patients across applicable age groups.
Counsel and train parents in occupational therapy and help them incorporate treatment goals into the home environment.
Participate actively in care management meetings.
Maintain clinical records, including evaluation and re-evaluation reports, daily treatment notes, plans of care, progress notes, discharge summaries, and insurance authorizations.
Maintain current insurance authorization or approval to treat; collaborate with Financial Clearance, submit clinical requests promptly, and communicate with insurance reviewers as needed.
Use equipment, supplies, and time efficiently; participate in cost-control efforts and pursue third-party reimbursement.
Make discharge referrals and monitor progress for children evaluated or enrolled in therapy.
Contribute to individual and department productivity goals and facilitate prior authorizations.
Participate in program needs assessment, planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.
Support and train new team members; supervise and train students from area universities; provide in-service training to staff and lectures related to occupational therapy.
Set professional development goals and participate in continuing education, quality assurance, and personal and departmental improvement activities.
Apply current research findings in practice and participate in data collection.
Support community education and coordinate, develop, or staff community outreach programs.
Participate in weekend and holiday on-call coverage rotation for inpatient units.
Support the hospital's mission and strategic objectives, teamwork, and a positive image of pediatric occupational therapy; identify opportunities for improvement.