Occupational Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY:

In partnership with physician and/or other practitioners, this position is responsible for the evaluation, assessment, treatment, management and rehabilitation of patients with conditions affecting the hands and upper quadrant.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans and evaluates patient treatment program in coordination with medical staff.
• Administers treatment program per physician instruction. 
• Able to evaluate and treat patients according to budgeted volume.
• Documents care provided, maintains patient records, charts, and discharge summaries.
• Educates patients and family in proper care and use of various support and exercise programs.
• Splint fabrication per physician instruction.
• Evaluates patient needs, discusses condition and appropriate treatment plans with physicians and medical staff and recommends solutions to patient care problems.
• Evaluates charts and reports on patient’s progress and bill patients according to established procedures.
• Recommends OT policies and procedures concerning services provided.
• Maintains quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control.
• Conducts and participates in clinic educational programs.
• Cleans and maintains equipment and work area.
• Attends required meetings and participates in committees as requested.
• Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient account and employee information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines and NMOA policy.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:   N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK 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 job responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand; walk; sit for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.  Repetitive motion of upper body required for extended use of computer. Requires vision correctable to 20/20 and hearing in the normal range for face-to-face and telephone contacts.  Work may be under stressful conditions at times. 

Works in well-lit, ventilated and climate controlled clinic/office environment with routine office and/or medical equipment; some equipment has moving mechanical parts.  Minimal exposure to communicable diseases.  Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SAFETY SENSITIVE

This position is a safety-sensitive position. The use of marijuana is prohibited. Impairment by drugs or alcohol is also prohibited.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctorate degree, in occupational therapy or physical therapy from accredited college or university.   At least one (1) year of experience as a hand therapist or supervised clinical internship.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

New Mexico License to practice physical therapy.  Certified and/or certification eligible in hand therapy

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.

• Ability to understand, read, write and speak English required, bilingual preferred. 
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, medical information or governmental regulations. 
• Clearly and concisely conveys information and ideas through a variety of mechanisms in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the message. 
• Able to professionally communicate, relate, and present to physicians, manageme