Occupational Therapist

Pay Range:

Pay Range:$47.69 - $67.19

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

This position is based in the Rehabilitation Services Department with a primary focus on providing general Occupational Therapy (OT) evaluations and treatments which impact a patient’s functional abilities. The Occupational Therapist performs in a professional manner, respects confidentiality, and demonstrates qualities endorsed by following the Seven Standards for Service Excellence outlined in the SEARHC Human Resources Manual. Services are to be provided in compliance with hospital and Home Health standards, licensure requirements, regulatory and practice standards of Occupational Therapy and the national professional guidelines established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

Occupational Therapists are health care professionals responsible and accountable for patient assessment, evaluation, establishing a plan of care and providing therapeutic interventions to assist people of a wide range of ages, diagnoses, abilities, skills and needs to optimize their quality of life and level of independence in activities of daily living. The clinic needs to be able to inform clinical teams regarding decisions that involve OT while taking into consideration consultation provided by other care providers. As patients are seen, recommendations may be made regarding their level of independence and rehabilitation needs which may impact services, care placement and further treatment. The incumbent shall also demonstrate accountability for the contribution to program development, quality improvement, problems solving and productivity enhancement in a flexible interdisciplinary fashion. Documenting and processing interventions appropriately must be followed for continuity of care and reimbursement for services.

The position may require occasional travel off site and out of town to provide services outside of MEMC. This job can involve working in a small space, at a demanding pace with a variety of people and sometimes difficult personalities and situations; good judgment, tact and personal skills are necessary for positive working relationships between patients and co-workers. This job involves potential risks that the therapist must work to avoid to the extent possible. Exposure to infectious organisms is possible; use of precautions and appropriate protective equipment is necessary. Latex may be present in the workplace. The job may require repetitive or heavy lifting, up to 50 pounds with physically demanding movements and positions; practice of good body mechanics and good judgment. Services may be provided in a variety of settings including in-patient, out-patient, off-site locations, community events, home visits and remote locations. There may be occasional travel to remote areas by boat or plane for multiple days, possibly in harsh weather. This position is a covered position under the Indian Child Protection Act (ICPA).

Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job

• Provides assessments, performs evaluations, identifies therapy diagnoses, formulates therapy treatment plans with goals and implements treatment of Occupational Therapy services to patients.  Is responsible as the primary therapy provider to implement, supervise and modify therapy plans of care, based on assessment of patient responses, to optimize the outcomes for each patient.  Reviews clinical records and case histories.  Attends care conferences, regular meetings/rounds and remains in contact with referring providers, nurses, and other rehabilitation professionals to review patient’s status and individual needs within the health care team concept.  Collaborates with other team members to assure appropriate medical equipment is arranged and care plan is established prior to discharge.  Documents patient encounter findings and treatments including diagnoses, treatment plans, recommendations and prognoses in appropriate format according to hospital and Home Health policies.  Provides services in a timely manner after receipt of referral.  Services both in-patient and out-patient populations and settings as assigned.  Directs the work of support staff, students, or interns.  Facilitates a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients, and their families.  Develop, implement, and conduct patient education and therapy programs based on pat