FUNCTION:

The Occupational Therapist is a registered professional who provides skilled occupational therapy service on an intermittent basis to clients in their homes.

Theses services are performed in accordance with the physician's orders and other duties as deemed necessary.

REPORTS TO:

Director Of Nursing

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists in the admission of the client to the Agency by:

• Obtaining a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.
• Evaluating the client's significant other(s), and situation to determine what health teaching will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the client, and what other agency and community services will be required.
• Interpreting occupational therapy and other services of the agency to client and family as a part of planning for care.
• Assuring appropriateness of physician's orders and discussing necessary changes.

Assist in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary client care plan as it pertains to Occupational Therapy in consultations with the physician.

Provides skilled Occupational Therapy as outlined below and after consultation with the physician.

• Assists the physician in evaluating the client's level of function by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures.
• Guides and instructs the client in prescribed therapeutic self-care and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning.
• Instructions client in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthodontic devices.
• Teaches and supervises and counsels the family and client in the total occupational therapy program and other related problems of the client at home.
• Establishes goals based on the clients's current level of functioning and potential for improvement and performs re-evaluations as indicated.

Makes arrangements for outpatient services which cannot be given in the home.

Evaluates the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention and updates the client care plan as needed.

Communicate with the physician on a regular basis regarding client's status, obtaining additional orders, if necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed or registered by the state
• Has at least (1) year of institution experience (not including internship).
• Graduate of an occupational therapist school approved by the Council of Medical Education of the AMA in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association or its equivalent. Preferably American Occupational Therapy Association.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform physical therapy procedures effectively and safely.
• Ability to work with people from different socio-cultural backgrounds in an effective manner.
• Ability to accept and utilize supervision.