Occupational Therapist-Reg

PHYSICAL LOCATION:

Moody Neurorehabilitation Institute,

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Uses evidence-based practice to provide Occupational Therapy services to patients including assessing patient needs using appropriate screening and evaluation procedures; analyzing evaluation results, developing treatment plans, and performing appropriate occupational therapy treatment procedures; documents all evaluations using proper format and terminology; supervises and maintains the recording of patient treatment plans, progress reports and other necessary documentation. The Occupational Therapist is responsible for coordinating both cognitive and physical skills training for activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living through structured intervention, as well as facilitating and scheduling interventions in the home and community environments. The Occupational Therapist works collaboratively with other team members to develop, implement, and evaluate the treatment program. The OTR will represent the Occupational Therapy Department and services at patient and family meetings and other meetings as assigned. Additional duties include observing and documenting patient behavior, participating in mentorship roles when directed, participating in OT student labs, and acting as a clinical instructor for OT students on clinical rotation at Moody Neuro, ensuring patient safety, reinforcing treatment plans and Moody Neuro policies, assisting therapy staff with modules, assisting with staff training as needed, and maintaining various checklists and daily log sheets. The OTR will participate in research efforts as designated by the Program Director. The OTR will uphold the mission, vision, philosophy, and goals of the organization while maintaining strict confidentiality of personnel and patient data and information in the performance of assigned duties.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review patient's screening prior to the patients full admission to the clinical program.

• Select and utilize appropriate assessment procedures.

• Identify comprehensive list of primary physical and functional problems.

• Develop a professional clinical impression, a supporting conclusion from evaluations, and consult with advanced clinicians/clinical specialists when appropriate.

• Establish realistic, functional goals and treatment plan, adhering to department treatment and program protocols.

• Communicate and direct residential staff regarding level of assistance with showering and activities of daily living.

• Administer thorough occupational therapy treatment procedures according to the developed treatment plan.

• Identify appropriate duration of occupational therapy treatment.

• Provide discharge plan recommendations, including DME and referrals for therapy to outside resources, in a timely manner in collaboration with other clinical and case management staff.

• Identify and implement the use of adaptive equipment to address the patient's needs with training provided, as needed.

• Work with assistive technology professional or orthotist when appropriate for DME or bracing/splinting needs.

• Educate patient and family regarding disease process, current treatment plans and specific procedures, long-term or follow-up care.

• Consistent consultation/communication with COTA regarding plan of care/changes in plan of care and client related goals.

• Provide home evaluations and carryover skills for families, including education and training.

• Refer appropriate patients for additional assessments as needed.

• Complete all patient care documentation according to expectations of the program, CARF, and third-party payer requirements. Documentation is to include the patients initial evaluation/re-evaluations; daily treatment notes; monthly IPP report; and discharge paperwork.

• Consult/communicate with referring practitioners in an appropriate and timely manner regarding patient's medical status, clinical assessment, contraindications, and to collaborate treatment plan to maximize patient care.

• Communicate as a liaison with other health care professionals.

• Regularly maintain therapy equipment and assistive devices, and make recommendations for repair or replacement to the Clinical Manager or Program Director

• Other duties as assigned.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills:

• Establish and maintain courteous, cooperative service-oriented relationships with patients, the public, and other members of the health care team. Utilize courtesy, compassion, kindness, and honesty while interacting with the public, patients, and all facility personnel.

• Communicate with the appropriate supervisor, and other staff members regarding patient care issues in a professional manner.

• Listen actively to needs and wants of others, responding in an appropriate manner.

• Identify problems/concerns, inform appropriate persons in a timely manner, and participate in a positive approach to the resolution.

• Promote unity and teamwork among co-workers.

• Handle confidential information appropriately.

• Provide timely and constructive feedback to others, selecting appropriate communication style.

Departmental Responsibilities:

• Complete and submit daily billing daily note documentation information in a timely manner.

• Participate actively and provide input and feedback to others during peer review/quality assurance sessions, departmental staff and team meetings and planning meetings/task forces.

• Assign appropriate patient care tasks provided by supportive and unlicensed personnel in a timely manner.

• Assist in planning of client volunteer programs, vocational programs, and various community outings as it relates to occupational therapy goals

• Supervise the patient care tasks to supportive and unlicensed personnel.

• Participate in departmental CQI activities to include peer review, chart review, and self-assessment.

Education Program:

• Attend all departmental and facility sponsored in-services.

• Prepare and present departmental in-services following continuing education course attendance.

• Student Education Program - Serve as a Clinical Instructor (CI) to pre-intern students, providing an atmosphere conducive to learning.

• Identify own continuing education and consultation needs as required by Texas Board of Occupational Therapy and National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.

Related Activities:

• Time Management/Productivity

• Organize time effectively in the work setting, including patient care, documentation, assigned projects, and other departmental responsibilities.

• Maintain a standard of productivity as outlined in current performance guidelines.

Safety:

• Utilize appropriate patient care techniques and equipment set up/use to ensure the safety of patient/therapist at all times.

• Respond appropriately to emergency situations according to departmental and facility procedures.

Code of Ethics:

• Comply with the Code of Ethics and Guide for Professional Conduct as established by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Graduate of an accredited school of Occupational Therapy.

• Maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.

• Obtain and maintain NCI certification.

Education/Licensure:

Bachelors in occupational therapy; successful completion of NBCOT examination; hold a current license/registration to practice Occupational Therapy in Texas or in eligible for Texas Licensure; program development and implementation skills; evidence of clinical experience; consistently demonstrate intermediate clinical evaluation and treatment skills in applicable areas of clinical practice; teaching skills of staff, students, peers, and others demonstrated.

Experience:

Prefer one years experience with adults with brain injuries.

DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT.

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME (1-33%)

• Sitting
• Twisting
• Pushing/Pulling
• Climbing (Ascending/Descending)

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME (34-66%)

• Lifting/Carrying
• Bending/Stooping
• Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods
• Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods

PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME (67-100%)

• Standing/Walking
• Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS - individuals in clinical care positions are required to lift a trainee/client without assistance. (1-33%)

• 11 - 20 Pounds
• 21 - 30 Pounds
• 31 - 40 Pounds
• 41 - 50 Pounds
• 51 - Pounds or more

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS - individuals in clinical care positions are required to lift a trainee/client without assistance. (67-100%)

• 2 - 10 Pounds

DOES THIS JOB REQUIRE? (1-33%)

• Working with or near chemicals
• Working near radiation sources
• Working with hazardous waste materials
• Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require
• Using hand tools
• Potential for cuts and bruises

DOES THIS JOB REQUIRE? (34-66%)

• Working outdoors
• Potential exposure to communicable diseases
• Operating vehicle

DOES THIS JOB REQUIRE? (67-100%)

Working in hot, cold, wet surrounds

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS (67-100%)

• Ability to express or exchange ideas
• Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices.
• Obtaining impressions through the eyes of the shape, size, distance, motion, color or other characteristics of objects with or without adaptive devices. The major visual functions are:
  • Acuity, far - clarity of vision at 20 feet or more.
  • Acuity, near - clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.
  • Depth perception - three-dimensional vision. The ability to judge distance and space relationships so as to see objects where and as they actually are they actually are.
  • Field of vision - the area that can be seen up and down or to the right or left while the eyes are fixed on a given point.
  • Accommodation - adjustment of the lens of the eye to bring an object into sharp focus. This item is especially important when doing near-point work at varying distances from the eye.
  • Color vision - the ability to identify and distinguish colors.
• Regular Attendance
• Punctuality
• Ability to do Math
• Literate