Job Summary:
Facilitates development, rehabilitation, and restoration of normal body functions of patients following illness or injury. Follows physician plan of care in restoring the patient’s functions, alleviating pain and prevention liabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed occupational therapy. Requires supervision of a qualified Occupational Therapist.
Essential Functions:
• Performs planned services that are delegated and supervised by the Occupational Therapist to meet the patient’s goals and needs.
• Helps patient accomplish treatment plan and accept therapeutic devices by administering manual exercises, instructing, encouraging and assisting patients in performance of physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory function activities and daily-living activities and in use of assistive and support devices, and maintenance therapy
• Implements home exercise programs; instructing patients, families and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommending and providing assistive equipment as needed
• Follows the plan of care while adhering to Agency policy under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist
• Meets regularly with the Occupational Therapist to update client progress and needs
• Participates in case conferences and team meetings
• Develops coordination and cooperation among other health care disciplines in the Agency to provide quality patient care
• Contributes to patient care conferences in order to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s care
• Assures all documentation is completed according to Agency policy.
• Completes and submits documentation timely and accurately according to Agency policy
• Organizes schedule in a way to complete all assignments and treatment in a timely manner
• Makes visits as scheduled and participates in on-call rotation as required
• Maintains patient rights and dignity
Additional Responsibilities:
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested
• Adheres to Agency or state association code of ethics
• Conforms to all applicable Agency policies and procedures
• Participates actively in continuing education and in-services
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information and business trade practices
• Assumes accountability for reporting incidents and complaints according to Agency policy
Knowledge / Skills / Abilities:
• Organizational skills
• Ability to supervise in accordance with Agency’s policies and applicable laws
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints, regulatory agencies or members of the business community
• Time management
• Cooperative attitude
• Advanced interpersonal written and verbal communication
• Basic math skills related to patient care
Information Management:
Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security
Risk Management:
• Cooperates fully in all risk management activities and investigations
• Keeps abreast of changes in health care law
• Maintains Agency/program compliance with local, state and federal laws as well as state accreditation standards
Minimum Position Qualifications:
• Education: Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants; Eligible to take or successfully completed the entry-level certification exam (NBCOT)
• Experience: 1 year home health experience preferred.
• Training: Appropriate competency assessments completed
• License / Certification: Currently licensed or otherwise regulated, if applicable, as an occupational therapy assistant by the state in which practicing; CPR certification; current driver’s license and proof of auto liability insurance
Environmental Conditions:
Works in patient's home in various conditions, possible exposure to blood and body fluids and infectious diseases. Ability to work flexible schedule, ability to travel locally; some exposure to unpleasant weather. Moderate noise level; tasks may involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens; moderate stress and emotional demands.
Physical Requirements:
Prolonged standing and walking required. Ability to move up to 50 lbs. and move patients. Requires working under some stressful conditions to meet deadlines, to identify patient needs, to make quick decisions and resource acquisition; meet patient/family psychosocial needs. Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. Ability to utilize durable medical equipment in the home.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.