Occupational Therapy

PACS

About The Position

The Staff Occupational Therapist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians, and other health team members, and maintains documentation of services in medical records. The role also conducts ongoing in-services and training for facility staff. The therapist evaluates residents’ occupational therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential; develops and updates individualized treatment plans; supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, aides, and students; and educates residents, families, and caregivers. The position contributes to care planning, documentation, safety, equipment maintenance, quality assurance, performance improvement, and rehabilitation program development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
Licensed as an Occupational Therapist in the state.
Meet continuing education requirements under state practices and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
Proficient in computer skills, including entering data into Net Health and Point Click Care.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-form instructions.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.
Ability to perform the position’s physical demands, including frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting and other listed movements, lifting and manipulating objects and equipment, and assisting, supporting, and transporting residents using safe resident handling practices.
Ability to communicate effectively through talking and hearing, and perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental cues.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of a Master’s or Doctorate program in Occupational Therapy.
Additional certification as appropriate per facility.

Responsibilities

Evaluate residents to determine occupational therapy needs, functional limitations, and rehabilitation potential in accordance with physician orders and facility policies.
Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, and functional independence.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants in direct resident care and resident-related activities, following the state practice act.
Communicate with physicians, nursing staff, interdisciplinary team members, residents, and families about progress, goals, and discharge planning.
Participate in Resident Care conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
Provide in-services and training programs for facility staff as needed.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation according to facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise and maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering durable medical equipment to support resident independence in activities of daily living, including adaptive equipment, splints, assistive devices, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
Maintain confidentiality of resident and company information.
Report department equipment problems so equipment can be maintained in good working order.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.
Supervise Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA), aides, and students.