Occupational Therapist

This position is responsible for providing occupational therapy services to patients in their place of residence.

Ensures the efficient delivery of occupational therapy services, hereinafter referred to as ?services? while at a minimum adhering to state and federal laws, state and federal rules, accrediting body standards, accepted physical therapy practices, ethical standards, agency policies and procedures, the agency?s mission and values, the agency?s code of conduct, and business decorum.

Conducts evaluation visits.

• Reviews and evaluates physician's referral and patient's medical record to determine occupational therapy required.
• Identifies self as a representative of the agency to patients and their families at the start of evaluation visits.
• Performs patient tests, measurements, and evaluations, to determine the level of function, and record and evaluate findings to aid in establishing or revising specifics of treatment programs.
• Plans and prepares a written treatment program based on the evaluation of available patient data.
• Ensures patients are adequately educated on the specific care they will receive.
• Ensures the accurate completion of all evaluation visits documents in a timely manner.
• Ensures the accurate documentation of evaluation visits in a timely manner.
• Independently identifies educational needs of patients and their families related to patients?/clients? specific care needs and ensures patients and their families are timely and adequately educated.
• Develops a plan of care to address patients specific care needs.

Manages patient occupational therapy pursuant to the established plan of care and conducts visits.

• Accurately completes weekly schedule and conducts visits ensuring compliance with established visit frequencies.
• Ensures the start and completion of visits are independently documented using telephony or other prescribed method.
• Identifies self as a representative of the agency to patients and their families at the start of visits, as necessary.
• Plans and administers prescribed occupational therapy treatment programs for patients to restore function and prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of body part.
• Observes, documents, and reports to the physician or the patient's treatment, response and progress.
• Instructs other staff, including, when appropriate, home health aides and family members, in certain phases of occupational therapy with which they may work with the patients.
• Instructs patients and family in total occupational therapy program.
• Identifies, recommends, documents and implements changes to the plan of care as approved by patients? physicians in a timely manner.
• Ensures the accurate and efficient procurement of medical supplies in a timely manner.
• Works to maximize patient outcomes.
• Exemplifies and promotes positive, professional, and effective communication between and among disciplines.
• Acts as the point of contact for patients, their families, caregivers, and physicians.
• Ensures the accurate completion of all visit documents in a timely manner.
• Ensures the accurate documentation of visits in a timely manner.

Supervises qualified Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant(s) (COTA) in accordance with the plan of care and the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act and documents these visits accordingly.

• Is accessible by telephone to the COTA at all times while the COTA is treating patients.
• Completes on-site supervision every four to six visits.

Attends and participates in meetings and activities to effect quality and performance improvement.

Effectively represents the agency in a professional manner.

Communicates significant events and other data necessary for timely and accurate decision-making to the appropriate individuals.