Occupational Therapist - Inpatient - Per Diem
About The Position
Cayuga Health is hiring an Occupational Therapist to provide inpatient occupational therapy at Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca, New York. The role uses comprehensive chart review, evidence-based clinical decision-making, and patient-centered planning to determine appropriateness for OT, select assessments, develop plans of care, and adapt interventions based on patient response and progress. The therapist communicates with patients, families, caregivers, and the interdisciplinary team; identifies safety risks and contraindications; uses safe patient-handling equipment; documents clinical decisions; and contributes to coordinated discharge planning. The position is per diem, with weekday coverage and rotating Saturdays. Shifts may fall within inpatient OT operating hours of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local travel between area clinics and facilities may be required.
Requirements
- Successful completion of an accredited bachelor's-, master's-, or doctorate-level Occupational Therapy program.
- Current New York State Occupational Therapy license.
- Current CPR/BLS certification.
- Complete yearly mandatory safety trainings and e-learning courses.
- Ability to move or lift patients with assistance.
- Ability to perform repetitive use of hands and fingers, such as using a computer keyboard.
- Ability to sit, walk, or stand for long periods of time.
- Ability to physically operate the equipment used for the job.
Nice To Haves
- Problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail.
- Time-management skills.
- Flexibility in prioritizing and adjusting workload.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
Responsibilities
- Review patient charts comprehensively to determine appropriateness for occupational therapy.
- Select appropriate examinations and integrate findings into a person-centered, goal-centered plan of care.
- Use evidence-based practice to guide clinical decisions and therapy intensity.
- Assess patients' responses to interventions and adjust interventions and plans of care as appropriate.
- Choose communication approaches suited to patients' age, learning style, cognition, and culture.
- Educate patients, families, and caregivers using compassionate communication.
- Communicate patient OT needs and barriers to the interdisciplinary team to facilitate throughput.
- Maintain professional communication with team members, including during adverse, challenging, and crucial conversations.
- Use the medical record and patient presentation to identify relative and absolute contraindications to OT participation.
- Assess patients and their environment for barriers to safe movement and maintain expertise in safe patient-handling equipment.
- Progress interventions toward patient goals, reassess progress, and adjust the plan of care.
- Produce clear, defensible documentation that supports clinical decision-making.
- Use clinical judgment to determine when immediate communication beyond documentation is needed for safe, coordinated care.
- Determine discharge destination, support level, additional services, and follow-up needs based on the patient's life context and functional status.
- Determine appropriate equipment needs and provide caregiver training as appropriate.
Benefits
- Competitive wages.
- Comprehensive benefits.
- Professional development opportunities.
