Occupational Therapist

Job Description

This Agency hereby creates a position for the Occupational Therapist, indicated for functional limitations of activities of daily living that relate to the primary or secondary diagnosis and shall be within the scope of practice authorized by the license issued by the State for the practice of occupational therapist. Such Occupational Therapists shall be governed by the following rules and responsibilities.

Lines of Authority and reporting responsibilites: Report to the Director of Nursing/PT Supervisor, Administrator.

Rules:

1. He/She must be a graduate of an approved school for Occupational Therapist.
2. He/She must have a current state license for Occupational Therapist.
3. He/She must have one year of experience in Occupational Therapy

Responsibilities:

1. He/she shall provide Occupational Therapy services as prescribed by a Physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner, acting within their scope of practice, which can be safely provided in the home. Conducts regular or OASIS assessments accurately, according to instructions in the OASIS Implementation Manual, and corresponding to documentation contained elsewhere in the assessment note. Participate in in-services program, and discharge planning.
2. He/she shall assist the physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner, acting within their scope of practice, in evaluating the patient’s level of function by applying diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
3. He/she shall guide the patient in the patient’s use of therapeutic creative and self-care activities for the purpose of improving function. Makes supervisory visits to all assigned Home Health Aides and OTAs.
4. He/she shall observe and record activities and findings in the clinical record and shall report to the physician, physician assistant, or advanced registered nurse practitioner patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient’s condition.
5. He/she shall instruct the patient, patient’s family members and other health team personnel in certain phases of occupational Therapy.
6. Ensure HIPAA guidelines and procedures are maintained.

Environment:

The Physical Therapist Assistant travels to and from, and performs duties in each patient’s home. The climate is not routinely controlled. Occasionally there may be exposure to blood, body tissues, and other potentially infectious fluids. There can be exposure to loud and unpleasant noises, unpleasant odors, unclean homes, and dust. May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients, family members, or visitors. The work environment is not controlled by the employee. Road and weather conditions are variable.

Physical Requirements:

1. Able to speak, read and write English
2. Able to read assignments, follow directions.
3. Able to communicate and respond clearly on telephone and respond to patient’s spoken needs.
4. The ability to physically transfer, lift or assist patients whose average weight is 160 pounds with or without the aid of mechanical devices.
5. Able to spend 80% of the work shift standing and/or moving about.
6. Able to walk, climb stairs, stoop, twist, bend, and squat to perform essential job functions.

This Job Classification will have a Potential risk for Occupational Exposure to Blood and other Potential Infections and body fluids, protective equipment will be provided by our Agency to limit the exposure and will promote self-protection practices in the delivery of Home Health Care, to provide appropriate treatment to home health care workers in the event of exposure incident and to promote compliance with the universal precautions.

Mental Requirements:

1. Able to concentrate on detail with frequent interruptions.
2. Able to follow, complete and remember daily routines and requirements.
3. Able to comprehend and utilize professional education materials.
4. Able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position