Acute Care Occupational Therapist Jobs

The Occupational Therapist confirms and interprets physician referrals, performs patient assessments and plans and implements individualized treatment programs taking into account the patient’s developmental and/or chronological age and medical diagnoses in accordance with the regulations governing the principles and practice of Occupational Therapy. This is a full-time position with an acute care patient base and is eligible for a sign-on bonus. The Occupational Therapist provides patient care based upon physician referral and age-appropriate assessment, considering the patient’s developmental/chronological age and medical diagnoses when planning/implementing treatment programs designed to achieve goals set in conjunction with the patient and/or family member. They coordinate patient care and clinical activities through written and/or verbal communication with patients, families, therapists, Clinical Team Leaders, managers, physicians, and other members of the health care team. Documentation is completed in the patient’s medical record and other patient care-related forms in compliance with regulatory agencies and department/hospital policies and procedures. The role involves supervising OTAs and collaborating with other therapy staff, support staff, volunteers, and students to achieve efficient clinical activity and quality patient care. Participation in other patient care and departmental/professional activities is expected, including in-services, performance improvement, program development/evaluation, new employee orientation, committee membership, peer review, and staff meetings. The Occupational Therapist supervises Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants (COTAs) as provided by State of Virginia licensure/practice standards and Federal regulations. They orient new employees and may provide guidance to volunteers, students, support, or contract staff. Communication commonly occurs with persons who have similar or different functions inside or outside the organization. They may provide problem-solving, consultation, advising, or interpretation services to others and may work with outside vendors, but do not have the authority to commit for the organization. Access and exposure to patient information is required for the performance of the job. Cost containment initiatives in the immediate work unit/department are suggested. Within scope of license, age-specific criteria, and per physician referral, the therapist interprets physician orders, performs patient assessments, and plans and implements individualized patient treatment programs. The impact of work is generally within the department or service line. Work is performed primarily indoors in a clinical setting including hospital, nursing home, or outpatient sites. May be required to work at other Carilion facilities to meet staffing needs, in which case will provide own transportation. For Home Care Departments, work is performed at the patient’s home. On occasion, work may be performed outside of a clinic setting such as work with the driving program, hydro-therapy, or home evaluations. Work requires physical activity with patients including lifting, manipulating, pushing, pulling, bending, and walking.