Occupational Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapist

MUSC (Med. Univ of South Carolina) • Orangeburg, SC

189d

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist (OT) will evaluate, plan, and implement therapy programs for patients across various settings. Responsibilities include performing initial assessments, developing and adjusting treatment plans, administering therapeutic activities, and interventions related to daily living skills, and supervising Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) and students. The role requires maintaining accurate documentation, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring patient safety and comfort, and demonstrating consistent attendance and reliability. The OT will stay current with evidence-based practices and adhere to institutional policies, guidelines, and protocols to provide the highest standard of care. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) will support occupational therapists in the planning and implementation of therapy programs for patients across various settings. Responsibilities include administering therapeutic exercises, activities, and other interventions, modalities and strategies to improve patients' functional abilities and quality of life. The role requires maintaining accurate documentation, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team, ensuring patient safety and comfort, and demonstrating consistent attendance and reliability. The OTA will also stay current with evidence-based practices and adhere to institutional policies, guidelines, and protocols to provide the highest standard of care.

Requirements

• Valid certification as an Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR).
• Valid licensure as an Occupational Therapist (OT) in South Carolina.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Compassion, patience, and empathy when working with patients.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques, including splinting.
• Understanding of relevant laws and regulations governing occupational therapy.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive evaluations and assessments of patients' conditions.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans.
• Administer and oversee therapeutic activities and interventions focused on daily living skills, such as dressing, bathing, self-care, ADLs, IADLs, health management, work, education, play, leisure, and social participation.
• Monitor and document patients' progress, adjusting treatment plans as necessary.
• Collaborate with OTAs, physical therapists, speech therapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic patient care.
• Participate in care conferences to discuss patient progress and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
• Effectively communicate with patients, their families, team members, and other partners and stakeholders to foster a collaborative and patient-centered approach to care.
• Perform point-of-service documentation where possible, ensuring accurate and timely recording of patient evaluations, progress, treatment interventions, and charges.
• Maintain patient records in compliance with legal and institutional requirements.
• Engage in continuous learning and professional development to maintain licensure and provide high-quality care.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in occupational therapy.
• Follow all institutional policies, guidelines, and protocols related to patient care and safety.
• Maintain compliance with ethical and professional standards in occupational therapy.
• Actively promote an excellent experience for all patients, families, team members, and other partners and stakeholders.
• Maintain productivity standards as delineated in departmental key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure patient safety during therapy sessions, adhering to infection control protocols, and maintaining or supporting a safe environment of care.
• Instruct patients in the proper use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices to promote independence.
• Educate patients and their families on techniques, exercises, and strategies to support treatment goals outside therapy sessions.
• Demonstrate consistent attendance and reliability to ensure continuous patient care and departmental efficiency.
• Perform additional duties as outlined by the manager or director.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree