Occupational Therapist

This job is PER DEIM.

DUTIES

Provide skilled occupational therapy service, on an intermittent basis, to patients, in
their homes, per the physician's orders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist the physician in evaluating the patient's level of function by applying diagnostic,
and prognostic, procedures.

Conduct initial, and ongoing, comprehensive assessments of the patients needs,
including Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) assessments.

Evaluate the patient's significant other(s), and the home situation, to determine what
instruction will be required and what family assistance will be available, in caring for the
patient, as well as what other Agency and community services will be required.

Ensure that the physician's orders are appropriate and discuss necessary changes.

Assist in the development, and implementation, of the interdisciplinary patient care plan to include Occupational Therapy, in consultation with the physician.

Guide, and instruct, the patient in prescribed therapeutic self-care and creative
activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental
functioning.

Instruct patient in care, and use, of wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetics and
orthotic devices.

Teach, supervise, and counsel the family, and patient, in the total Occupational
Therapy program and other related problems of the patient, at home.

Establish goals, based on the patient's current level of functioning, and potential for
improvement and performs re-evaluations, as indicated.

Makes arrangements for outpatient services when procedures are required that cannot
be given in the home.

Evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention and update the patient
care plan, as needed.

Prepare clinical/progress notes, on the day of the visit, which are incorporated into the
chart, within 48 hours.

Communicate with the physician, regularly, regarding the patient's status,
obtaining additional orders, if necessary.

Communicate with other team members and, when appropriate, instruct them in
Occupational Therapy techniques that they may use while working with the patient.

Supervise the Home Health Aide, per agency policy, when Occupational Therapy is the
only professional discipline involved in the patient's care.

Supervise the Occupational Therapy Assistant, every 60 days, per Agency policy.

Participate in Agency activities, in-services, and meetings, when appropriate.

Confirm, every week, the scheduling of visits with the Clinical Manager in order
to coordinate Agency visits.

Participate with the staff, the patient, and the physician, in discharge activities and
completes an Occupational Therapy Discharge Summary.

Assume responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her
healthcare knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and
conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations, and
individual research and reading.

ASSISTS IN THE AGENCY ADMISSION PROCESS

Obtain a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.

Evaluate the patient, the patients significant other(s), and the home situation to
determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the
family in caring for the patient, and what other Agency and community services will be
required.

Ensure that the physicians orders are appropriate and discuss necessary changes.

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access patients homes, which may not be
routinely wheelchair accessible, are required.

Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical
assessment of the patient's condition and to perform patient care.

On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach, and move the patient weight up to
250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

Must be able to effectively communicate in English.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Occupational therapy equipment and other medical equipment will be utilized. Hand
washing materials.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be a graduate of an Occupational Therapy school, accredited by the
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the
American Occupational Therapy Association or successor organizations of
ACOTE; and
a. Is eligible to take, or has successfully completed, the entry-level
certification examination for Occupational Therapists developed, and
administered, by the National Board for Certification in Occupational
Therapy, Inc. (NBCOT)

2. Preferably, should be a member of the American Occupational Therapy
Association.

3. Must be licensed, or registered, by the state of New Jersey/New York.

4. Must have at least one year of institutional experience.

5. Must have a criminal background check.

6. Must have current CPR certification. Online certification is not accepted.