Occupational Therapist - FT - Day Shift

ECMC•Buffalo, NY

15h

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist plans and administers treatment programs for medically referred patients to prevent, reduce, or remedy the disabling effects of illness, injury, and birth defects. Treatment may include therapeutic activities, self-help techniques, assistive devices, and driver rehabilitation services when assigned. The position requires independent judgment in developing individualized rehabilitation programs in accordance with physician referrals and established goals. Work is performed under the general supervision of higher-level professional staff, and the incumbent instructs and supervises lower-level technical personnel who assist with treatment and follow-up procedures. The therapist evaluates patients’ physical, psychosocial, and perceptual dysfunction; plans, administers, and supervises treatment; coordinates care with other patient services; and communicates treatment status and recommendations to physicians. The role also involves maintaining accurate treatment records, preparing progress reports, participating in patient-care conferences and clinics, and collaborating with contractors, designers, and architects on appropriate equipment, furniture, or accommodations. Appointment requires a New York State license to practice Occupational Therapy, maintained throughout employment. At Erie County Medical Center Corporation, NBCOT certification and BLS certification are also required under the stated timelines. A valid New York State Driver’s License is required if assigned to the driver rehabilitation program. Behavioral Health assignments additionally require PMCS training and participation in annual retraining, as well as completion of the specified child-abuse-register clearance process.

Requirements

Possess and maintain a license to practice Occupational Therapy in New York throughout the appointment.
At Erie County Medical Center Corporation, possess and maintain National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification throughout the appointment, except for the stated exception for permanent appointments made before March 1, 2018.
Possess and maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, obtained within 60 days of appointment.
If assigned to the driver rehabilitation program at Erie County Medical Center, possess and maintain a valid New York State Driver’s License.
For assignment to the Behavioral Health area, complete initial New York State Office of Mental Health-certified Preventing and Managing Crisis Situation (PMCS) training within 30 days of appointment and participate in annual retraining.
For the Behavioral Health assignment, sign the required clearance form for the child-abuse and maltreatment register inquiry; refusal results in automatic non-selection.
Have knowledge of occupational therapy treatment principles, objectives, and techniques, and of driver rehabilitation services if assigned.
Have knowledge of therapy materials and equipment and their use in a progressive therapy program.
Be able to apply occupational therapy principles and practices and plan, direct, and lay out activities adapted to a patient’s disability.
Demonstrate concern and understanding for people with disabilities, emotional maturity, and manual dexterity.
Be able to work within a multidisciplinary treatment team and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency and exercise sound professional judgment.
Be capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Responsibilities

Evaluate referred patients’ physical, psychosocial, and perceptual dysfunction in relation to occupational therapy needs, potentially including driver rehabilitation services.
Plan, administer, and supervise individualized treatment procedures using creative, manual, industrial arts and crafts, recreational, educational, and other activities.
Fabricate hand splints and assistive devices and use self-help techniques as part of treatment.
Coordinate occupational therapy with other patient-care services to restore and maintain patients’ optimal level of functioning.
Evaluate and recommend training in another occupation that is more consistent with patients’ present capabilities.
Work with contractors, designers, and architects to provide equipment, furniture, or accommodations appropriate for handicapped patients.
Report treatment status to patients’ physicians and recommend modifications to treatment and rehabilitation objectives.
Maintain accurate treatment records and prepare written patient progress reports for medical records.
Attend conferences and clinics related to patient care, potentially including driver rehabilitation services.
Instruct and supervise lower-level technical personnel assisting with treatment and follow-up procedures.