OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

JOB PURPOSE:

The Occupational Therapist plans and administers Occupational therapy treatment programs for medically referred participants to restore function, relieve pain, and prevent disability following disease, injury, or loss of body parts.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Evaluates participant referred by the provider and administers a treatment program in collaboration with the provider.

• Completes assessments, progress, treatment or revisits, discharge summaries interdisciplinary notes according to departmental policy and procedure.

• Performs participant evaluations and treatment at the PACE site and/or in the field (participant’s home, nursing homes, etc.).

• Maintain a clean, safe environment and follow safety protocols.

• Participates in developing a participant care plan with other interdisciplinary team members and participates in care plan meetings in accordance with state and federal regulations.

• Documents all pertinent participant information as required, including, but not limited to evaluations, progress notes, MDS, and care plans according to departmental policy and procedure.

• Documents all statistical data as required.

• Consults with a physiatrist and other professionals when appropriate.

• Maintains a high standard of health care and clinical practice through attendance at continuing education in-services/seminars and reading professional journals.

• Participates in clinical education of student affiliates.

• Provides clinical instruction to COTAs.

• Conduct clinical instruction of Level I & Level II Occupational Therapy, COTAs, COTA Students as well as student volunteers.

• Recommends equipment for discharges as appropriate.

• Participates in the delivery of in-service training programs for the site and departmental staff.

• Participates in Performance Improvement Monitoring.

• Only act within the scope of the individual’s authority to practice.

• Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by the PACE organization before working independently.

Schedule: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Weekly Hours: 35

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Successful completion of an Occupational Therapy program from an accredited university or equivalent. Bachelor’s Degree, required.

Experience:

• One (1) year of experience as an Occupational Therapist and/or experience with the Geriatric population preferred.

• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with a frail or elderly population or, if the individual has less than one (1) year of experience but meets all other requirements, must receive appropriate training from the PACE organization on working with a frail or elderly population upon hiring.

• Ability to establish rapport with patients and staff.

• Ability to use all OT Modalities/equipment.

• Ability to travel to participant’s homes, nursing homes, and sites/clinics.

• Knowledge of PACE regulations.

•  Knowledge of Care Compass and other EMRs preferred.

License: New York State licensure as a Registered Occupational Therapist.

Additional Requirements:

• Be legally authorized (for example, currently licensed, registered, or certified if applicable) to practice in the State in which the healthcare professional will perform the function.

• Be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant contact.

Language: Bilingual preferred depending on region (participant demographics and location of PACE sites).

Physical Requirements

Individuals must be able to sustain certain physical requirements essential to the job. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Standing – Duration of up to 6 hours a day.

• Sitting/Stationary positions – Sedentary position in duration of up to 6-8 hours a day for consecutive hours/periods.

• Lifting/Push/Pull – Up to 50 pounds of equipment, baggage, supplies, and ability to lift patients safely and using OSHA guidelines, etc.

• Bending/Squatting – Must be able to safely bend or squat to care for patients, use medical supplies, etc.

• Stairs/Steps/Walking/Climbing – Must be able to safely maneuver stairs, climb up/down, and walk to access work areas Position requires the individual to be able to travel, and walk between sites/locations and work areas throughout the day.

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