Occupational Therapist

The following information is designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained.General Position Summary:The Occupational Therapist is responsible for facilitates development and rehabilitation of patients with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed occupational therapy.This position reports directly to the Physical Therapy Director. This job description in no way includes all the duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform all other job duties requested by supervisor.Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities:•Meets the patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by assessing and interpreting evaluations and test results; determining occupational therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians or by prescription. •Helps patient develop or regain physical or mental functioning or adjust to disabilities by implementing programs involving manual arts and crafts, practice in functional, prevocational, vocational, and homemaking skills, activities of daily living, and sensorimotor, educational, recreational, and social activities; directing aides, technicians, and assistants. •Promotes maximum independence by selecting and constructing therapies according to individual's physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest. •Prepares patient for return to employment by consulting with employers; determining potential employee difficulties; retraining employees; helping employers understand necessary physical and job result accommodations. •Evaluates results of occupational therapy by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending and implementing adjustments and modifications. •Completes discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care conferences. •Assures continuation of therapeutic plan following discharge by designing and instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and/or providing assistive equipment; recommending outpatient or home health follow-up programs. •Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records. •Maintains patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential. •Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. •Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols. •Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs. •Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies. •Develops occupational therapy staff by providing information; developing and conducting in-service training programs. •Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions. •Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.Secondary Functions:•Participates in departmental and hospitalwide informational meetings and inservices, including staff meetings, hospitalwide forums, and seminars.•Reviews department and hospitalwide policies and procedures annually.•All other duties as assigned.Additional / Seasonal Responsibilities:•NoneJob Scope:This job involves:•Regular and recurring work situations.•A low to moderate level of complexity.•Operation from specific and definite directions and procedures.•Performance of duties under moderately high supervision.Supervisory Responsibility:• Supervision of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant(s) (COTA) and Therapy Technicians while maintaining proper therapist ratio per Federal requirements and Arizona Practice Act.Interpersonal Contacts:Contacts:•Are normally made within the hospital.•Are usually made with own department, staff, and supervisor.•Contain some discussion about confidential/sensitive matters.•Are face-to-face with little telephone contact.•Are usually with patients, with some physician contact.•Are normally made with others both inside and outside the hospital.Specific Job Skills & Mental Activities:This position requires the knowledge, skills, and clinical experience to perform in a diversified acute care setting. This position also requires knowledge of hospital equipment and programs, including all Hospital Information Systems and department specific equipment. This position also requires basic computer, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.Education and/or Experience:•Four year degree (required).•Licensed in the state of Arizona.•High School diploma or equivalent (required).•Current CPR/BLS certification (required).Physical Demands & Job Conditions:Mediumwork, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.This is a safety sensitive position.OSHA Exposure Category:OSHA Exposure Category 2Involves no regular exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, but may require unplanned tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.