JOB SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist contracted or employed through the Hospital is responsible for providing occupational therapy services to home health patients. Responsible for being knowledgeable of standard of practice of Occupational Therapy in a home health setting. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Evaluates patient's functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc).

Evaluates home environment for hazards or barriers to more independent living. 

Identifies equipment needs.

Participates in the development of the total plan of care.

For patients who plan to return to work, the occupational therapist may perform work capacity evaluation and may refer to specialized vocational training in accordance with policy.

Develops treatment program and establishes goals for improved function. Communicates plan of care to referring physician.

May teach new skills or retrain patient in once familiar daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury, in accordance to policy.

May fabricate splints and instruct patient in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improved function.

Complete all charting for each visit within 72 hours.

May train patient in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic device.

Identifies patient and family/caregiver needs for other home health services and refers as necessary.

Prepares and submits clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals.

Participates in discharge planning for patient.

Prepares and submits a clinical progress summary based on the attainment of goals.

Provides in-service education programs for nursing organizational personnel as needed.

Participates in peer consultation process.

When therapy is the only skilled services, instructs, supervises and evaluates home health aide care every two (2) weeks.

Occupational therapist must complete patient evaluation prior to home health aides starting services, communication needs documented in the home health aide plan of care and report given to home health aides, along with the RN case manager for continuity of patient care.

Records proper charging of patient treatments. 

Participates in quality improvement activities.

Collaborates and communicates effectively with team members, physicians and their office staff, and other healthcare providers to coordinate patient plan of care.

Maintains patient records accurately with documentation of all aspects of the care delivered.

Assists in orientation and training of new personnel.

Answers telephone and returns voice mail messages daily.

Assists director to problem solve operational issues.

Demonstrates a positive attitude and takes the initiative to implement changes.

Assures that patient information is maintained in confidential manner and complies with HIPPA regulations.

Assists staff with conflict resolution by providing guidance and support.

Demonstrates ability to multi-task and prioritize work maintaining accuracy of work within established times frames.

Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

Participates in mandatory in-services, staff meetings and educational programs.

Demonstrates an initiative in personal/ professional development.

Presents a professional image.

Assists with control of costs through the judicious use of human and material resources.

Assists director in evaluating technical competencies of staff during a probationary period and annual performance appraisals.

Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees and departmental strategic plan