Occupational Therapist I-Home Care

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist I-Home Care evaluates all assigned patient's functional abilities and conducts individualized occupational therapy programs in a home care environment to help patients develop, regain, or maintain their ability to perform daily activities as outlined by plan of care.  Responsible for documentation of evaluation, progress, discharge, and other reports as requested.  Responsible for delegation and direction of all discipline-specific therapy services and provides home treatment education for patients, families, assistants and students.  Performs other professional duties associated with the care of patient, development of therapy program services, and engagement and development of interdisciplinary teams.

Graduate (e.g., bachelors, masters, or doctorate) from an accredited Occupational Therapy program which meets the licensure requirements in the state of practice is required.

6 months of Occupational Therapy experience is required. 

Illinois:  Licensure or Eligibility for licensure as a registered occupational therapist by the State of Illinois under the condition that they have been issued a letter of authorization from the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) allowing them to practice under supervision is required.

Wisconsin:  Licensure or Eligibility for licensure as a registered occupational therapist by the Occupational Therapists Affiliated Credentialing Board in Wisconsin under the condition that they have been issued a temporary license allowing them to practice under supervision is required.

Certified Basic Life Support (BLS) or completion in the first 90 days of employment is required.

Valid state driver’s license, current automobile insurance and reliable automobile is required.

Ability to communicate effectively in the preparation of case reports.

Skill monitoring/assessing the performance of patients to make improvements or take corrective action.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Compassion: Demonstrates collaboration, motivation, encouragement, calmness, positive outlook, and resilience to overcome patient resistance and setbacks.

Detail orientation: Demonstrates organization in monitoring the health and safety of patients toward their recovery process.

Time management: Demonstrates delegation, organization, prioritization, stress management, goal setting, planning, and communication skills.

Treatment Planning: Proficient in synthesizing evaluation/assessment information into an effective treatment approach. Aptitude and ability to stay or alter course of treatment based on the assessment/evaluation results.

Coordinates treatment program in conjunction with other clinical/therapeutic services, as well as available community resources. Provides, modifies, or discontinues occupational therapy modalities based upon an ongoing assessment/reassessment of the patient’s clinical status and in accordance with practitioner orders.

Evaluates patient in the actual or simulated home, school, work or community environments as necessary to facilitate a return to community activities, establishes appropriate treatment goals, and makes recommendations for necessary adaptations or training for timely and enhanced progression while maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Performs accurate and comprehensive assessments. Delivers occupational therapy modalities appropriate to the patient’s clinical status and needs, and in accordance with the standard of care for patient’s age.

Identifies, develops, and remedy factors affecting patient’s physical, neuromusculoskeletal, sensory-perceptual, emotional regulation, visual, mental, and cognitive functions; pain tolerance and management; praxis; developmental skills; and behavioral skills or psychosocial components of performance with considerations for cultural context and activity demands that affect performance.

Enhances patient education by developing comprehensive and progressive home programs with instruction to the patient, family, and other caregivers as appropriate to facilitate a safe and effective discharge.

Completes OASIS data sets for "therapy only" cases.

Attends appropriate clinical meetings to facilitate coordination. Utilizes SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) communication techniques and communicates patient care issues w/physician.

Demonstrates adaptive communication styles based on individual patient needs.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Allied Health

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs

Carrying

X

50 lbs

Pushing

X

50 lbs

Pulling

X

50 lbs

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a temperature change in his/her work environment.

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other