Outpatient Occupational Therapist

BMC Software

3d•$38 - $54

About The Position

The Staff Occupational Therapist conducts comprehensive assessments of inpatients and outpatients with physical, cognitive, psychosocial, or functional deficits and plans and implements individual and group occupational therapy treatments to support the highest possible level of independence in daily living skills. The therapist collaborates with other disciplines to arrange follow-up care and facilitate patients’ successful return to home and work environments. The role also includes training occupational therapy students and participating in continuing education. The therapist evaluates patients, interprets findings, develops diagnostic impressions, and establishes measurable treatment goals and plans in collaboration with patients and caregivers. They implement and adapt treatment programs, provide education and recommendations concerning home programs and equipment, coordinate discharge needs, and document and charge for services in accordance with departmental and institutional standards. The position involves collaboration with rehabilitation and other health care professionals, participation in program development and quality improvement, ongoing professional development, and orientation and supervision of students. The therapist also follows hospital infection-control and safety procedures and uses the hospital’s values to guide decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree, or equivalent, in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
Current license and certification by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Current CPR certification.
Interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and members of the health care team.
Analytical ability to evaluate patients’ conditions, capabilities, and progress and develop appropriate treatment programs.

Nice To Haves

Membership in NCBOT, AOTA, and MAOT is preferred.
New graduates are welcome; experienced therapists are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Conduct occupational therapy evaluations and re-evaluations, review patient records, obtain physician orders, select and administer appropriate assessment procedures, interpret results, and educate patients and caregivers about findings and recommendations.
Respond to consults in assigned areas within the specified timelines and complete evaluations and documentation according to departmental standards.
Establish and modify measurable short- and long-term treatment goals and plans in collaboration with patients and caregivers, taking into account clinical needs and reimbursement requirements.
Assess patient and caregiver discharge needs, communicate care plans to team members, and arrange appropriate follow-up services.
Implement individual and group treatment programs, establish priorities, adapt treatment approaches, monitor progress, and end treatment when appropriate.
Fabricate or recommend adaptive or orthotic devices; instruct patients and caregivers in home programs and equipment use; and issue supplies and equipment cost-effectively.
Maintain therapeutic relationships, provide age-appropriate care, follow diagnosis-related precautions, and seek assistance when needed for unfamiliar age groups or hazardous situations.
Assign appropriate patients to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants and Rehabilitation Aides, provide supervision as required, and remain accountable for patient care delivered by assistants.
Monitor clinical supplies and request replacements in a timely manner.
Complete accurate and timely documentation and patient care charges; meet productivity and documentation standards; and participate in peer review.
Complete required competencies, safety and infection-control tests, CPR requirements, license renewal, and other mandatory requirements on time.
Pursue ongoing professional development, stay current with occupational therapy practice and regulations, and communicate learning needs to a supervisor.
Participate in occupational therapy program development, unit resource updates, area goals, research, clinical outcome studies, and quality improvement projects.
Collaborate with colleagues and other professionals, serve as a clinical resource, attend department meetings, contribute to committees or task forces as assigned, and provide evidence-based in-services and presentations.
Participate in supervisory processes and develop and meet annual performance goals.
Orient medical professionals, students, and community members to occupational therapy; supervise and train occupational therapy students; provide feedback and evaluate student performance.
Follow hospital infection-control and safety procedures and use hospital values as a basis for decision-making.