Occupational Therapist

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAlamosa County, Occupational Therapist, Public Health

REPORTS TO: Home Health QAQI RN
FLSA STATUS:  Non-Exempt
SALARY RANGE:  Visit rate per productivity, non-visit activity paid at $49.17/hr.
DATE ADOPTED: September 2024
CLOSE DATE: Open until filled

JOB SUMMARY:
Per diem position. This position works with individuals who face challenges in performing everyday activities due to physical, cognitive, or developmental limitations in the comfort of their own homes. Occupational Therapist’s expertise and support will be instrumental in enhancing the patient’s quality of life and facilitating their independence.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (The following are illustrative of essential functions to perform duties and responsibilities of the job.  The position may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional tasks as needed by the Department. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.)

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' physical, cognitive, and psychosocial functioning within their home environment.
• Identify and evaluate areas of functional limitation, disability, or impairment that impact the patients' ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
• Utilize standardized assessment tools, observations, interviews, and patient history to gather relevant information.
• Develop Individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans based on the assessment findings, patients' needs, and preferences.
• Implement evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to improve or restore patients' functional abilities, promote independence, and enhance their overall well-being
• Provide recommendations for adaptive equipment, assistive devices, home modifications, or environmental adaptations to facilitate patients' engagement in daily activities.
• Collaborate with patients, their families, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to establish realistic goals and promote a holistic approach to care.
• Conduct therapy sessions focused on improving patients' motor skills, sensory integration, coordination, strength, endurance, balance, and mobility.
• Guide patients in performing therapeutic exercises, functional activities, and compensatory strategies to enhance their ability to perform ADLs and IADLs
• Facilitate cognitive training and interventions to enhance memory, attention, problem-solving, and executive functions.
• Provide education and training to patients, caregivers, and family members on safe techniques, energy conservation, and adaptive strategies to optimize patients' independence and safety.
• Enter accurate and detailed documentation into applicable computer programs. Learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, case managers, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care and effective treatment planning.
• Provide ongoing feedback, updates, and recommendations to the interdisciplinary team regarding patients' progress, needs, and discharge planning.
• Stay updated with current trends, research, and advancements in occupational therapy practice, home health care, and relevant regulations.
• Maintain current licenses and certifications. Complete position-specific training, maintain program information and protocols by attending continuing education courses related to program responsibilities. Keep up-to-date with technology and apply new knowledge to the job.
• Attend required meetings, trainings, conference calls or other technical assistance methods as well as department meetings and local trainings.
• Comply with federal, state and local procedures, rules and regulations and employer policies and procedures.
• Maintain professional conduct, use exceptional customer service skills to respond to community needs, enhance public relations, coordinate activities, and represent Alamosa County Public Health Department in order to promote and maintain a positive public health image and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
• Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

   Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of occupational therapy principles, practices and interventions for various patient populations and conditions.
• Excellent assessment, evaluation and treatment planning skills.
• Proficiency in conducting home safety assessments and recommending environmental modifications.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet patient needs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with patients, families and interdisciplinary teams.
• Empathy, patience and a genuine passion for helping individuals improve their functional abilities and quality of life.
• Working knowledge of MS Office and other software, able to apply knowledge of computers within secure databases, able to learn new technologies.
• Ability to create trusting, therapeutic relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Bilingual, English/Spanish preferred.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Valid state Occupational Therapist licensure.
• One year of Occupational Therapy experience required.
• Prior experience working in home health or a similar community-based setting highly preferred.
• BLS required.
• Valid Colorado Driver’s License required.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• NIMS certification required; can be obtained at job.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS WORK CONDITIONS AND ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical effort required in the performance of duties includes lifting and/or moving patient with or without the use of an assistive device. Position frequently requires use of hands to fingers to handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach above shoulder level. Position is required to travel, walk, stand, sit for long periods of time, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, lift, carry, push, pull, see, speak and hear. Hearing and vision correctable to normal ranges; close-up vision and the ability to adjust focus necessary.  Position requires ability to stoop, bend, kneel, balance, crouch, carry, twist and push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight. Position is required to communicate both orally and in writing including operating a computer keyboard and standard office equipment at efficient speed.

Significant portions of work assignments involve occupational risk, such as cuts, burns, exposure to toxic chemicals, injuries from falls, or back injury sustained with assisting in moving, lifting or positioning patients, equipment, or materials. Significant portions of work assignments involve ergonomic risk. Job requires lifting over 30 pounds and ability to walk up and down stairs. Significant portions of work assignments involve application of manual skills requiring motor coordination in combination with finger dexterity. Significant portions of work assignments involve exposure to dirt, odors, noise, exposure to temperature/weather extremes. Working surfaces may be unleveled, slippery or unstable.
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 The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this job, the level of knowledge, skills and abilities typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

It is the policy of Alamosa County to not discriminate against any person with regard to all federally protected classifications including race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, any disability, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.  Alamosa County Public Health Department (ACPHD) believes that an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace is one where all employees and community partners, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, feel valued and respected. As an employer, we are committed to nondiscriminatory practices and providing equitable opportunities for employment and advancement.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
 
 

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