Job Description

To provide occupational therapy services to referred patients/clients; in collaboration with supervisor to develop and implement student clinical program.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Graduate of an accredited program for Occupational Therapy.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Good physical condition in order to endure stresses of the job.
2. Must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the physical, mental, psychological, and social needs of the patient.
3. Good interpersonal skills, maturity, flexibility, good judgment and dependability are required.
4. The therapist is mature, flexible and motivated.
5. Displays confidence in reasons for and execution of chosen treatment.
6. Realizes own limitations and initiates obtaining assistance/support from supervisor(s) and colleagues.
7. Does not let distractions in the busy department interfere with patient treatment, interactions or job duties.
8. Demonstrates flexibility in treating new patients who must be fit in on an emergency basis.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Certification by the NBCOT is preferred.
2. Must be licensed (or license eligible) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the practice of Occupational Therapy.
3. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direct and indirect supervision from the Manager of Rehabilitation Services.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Supervises the evaluation, training and directing of COTA staff and students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides direct occupational therapy services to patients referred from all areas served.
   1. Evaluates, plans, and implements treatment programs with appropriate patients.
   2. Provides direct patient treatment and education to patients as well as to patient’s families.
   3. Supervises implementation of treatment programs with the C.O.T.A.
   4. Maintains accurate and current patient records. Uses the PCS system for inpatients, as well as keeping up with PCS changes.
   5. Initiates and follows through with physicians in regards to patient care as needed.
   6. Assesses need for adaptive equipment and provides training in proper use of adaptive equipment to patients and caregivers.
   7. Attends and actively participates in all staff/department meetings.
   8. Completes statistical forms and fee charges daily and accurately.
   9. Collaborates and consults with other professional groups and agencies.
2. Participates in development and implementation of student and clinical programs.
   1. Contributes with ideas and is responsible for student supervision at all levels (volunteer, C.O.T.A., entry level therapist), pre-Occupational Therapy interns.
   2. Designs and provides feedback on present evaluations, treatment and patient education forms.
   3. Contributes and/or develops new treatment programs within department for hospital and community.
3. Participates in continuing education opportunities to maintain and expand competency level.
   1. Attends on a timely basis all required in service sessions in hospital.
   2. Participates in professional continuing education opportunities either inside or outside of the hospital to improve/extend professional competencies.
   3. Provides information to other staff member upon return from a conference.
   4. Reads appropriate journal articles in regards to therapy.
4. Communicates effectively in the performance of all tasks and responsibilities.
   1. Demonstrates active listening skills.
   2. Uses appropriate channels and methods of communication.
   3. Actively communicates to supervisor relevant information in a timely manner regarding the client caseload, personnel changes, facility communications, etc.
   4. Communicates information from conference and continuing education to staff in a clear and timely manner.
   5. Demonstrates an ability to achieve therapeutic rapport with patients, families, and other allied healthcare professionals.
   6. Uses resources of various disciplines to problem-solve in difficult or complex situations.
   7. Communicates with nursing and other team members regarding recommendations (such as positioning, bed mobility, transfers, ADL level, and appropriate equipment) via verbal communication, and charting.
   8. In meetings, reports information in a comprehensive, clear style which is readily understood.
5. Adheres to documentation procedures.
   1. Updates or revises short term goals per estimated length of stay for acute care patients.
   2. Completes timely medical chart documentation using approved abbreviations, proper grammar, accurate spelling, proper signatures and inclusion of the date, discipline, and time per department policy. Stays current with PCS documentation for the inpatient treatments.
   3. Follows departmental documentation guidelines format.
   4. Completes documentation following the PCS templates for patients, which reflect patient goals, treatment plan, patient progress and discharge recommendations.
6. Manages time effectively to achieve clinical and professional goals.
   1. Shows flexibility and problem-solving in planning and prioritizing time to accomplish job responsibilities accurately and timely.
   2. Shows punctuality in daily routine (e.g. prompt to meetings and treatment sessions, timely charges/documentation, etc.)
   3. Uses free time to catch up on note writing, Healthstreams, and professional periodical reading.
7. Participates in Performance Improvement studies.
8. Knows, implements, and/or locates hospital, departmental and professional policies and procedures.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Why Mount Nittany Health?

At Mount Nittany Health, we provide high-quality patient care with a unique combination of the latest in clinical technology and compassionate medical professionals. We are committed to improving both the quality and availability of healthcare in our region and seek to hire only the best to support the communities we serve.