General Summary

Under general supervision, plan and implement individual treatment programs for individual patients and patient groups, according to the principles and practices of occupational therapy. Provides direct occupational therapy services to referred inpatients and outpatients with medical and psychiatric diagnoses which result in functional limitations, in accordance with generally accepted occupational therapy standards and department procedures

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Performs a comprehensive initial evaluation, by administering a battery of standardized and non standardized tests to evaluate the patients level of skill and performance in the following areas: daily living skills, sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial and identifies problems that require occupational therapy intervention. Gathers pertinent information from the patients medical record to assist in problem identification and determination of precautions.

2. Identifies problems and formulates appropriate individual treatment plans by prioritizing and establishing treatment goals that are objective, functional, and measurable, using occupational therapy theory and principles to guide the clinical reasoning process. Plans and selects the most appropriate treatment modality, method, or procedure to address goals. Selects and implements alternative methods or procedures when goals are not being adequately attained.

3. Treats patients individually or in groups utilizing accepted occupational therapy methods, modalities and procedures such as range of motion exercises, strengthening, fine motor coordination, perceptual motor and sensory integrative activities, cognitive skills and retraining, Activities of Daily Living-self-care (ADL) and daily living skills training, orthotic fabrication (making splints), and psychosocial skills. Provides care while maintaining a professional demeanor and treating the patient with respect.

4. Uses treatment procedures which address stated goals and plans. Performs continuous assessment of patient progress and modifies treatment plans. Analyzes the effectiveness of treatment in terms of goal achievement or when patients progress reaches a plateau.

5. Provides patients and caregivers instructions, such as home exercise programs and time management techniques that are specific to the patients disability and level of function.

6. Records patient evaluations, re-evaluations and care provided in the medical record in accordance with departmental documentation standards.

A. Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as patient evaluation results, treatment plans, progress reports, discharge summaries, and other such reports.

B. Records patient charges and procedures performed, daily.

7. Participates in quality assurance activities, suggests areas for improvement to colleagues in a tactful and considerate manner. Suggests quality assurance topics and alternate treatment techniques to improve occupational therapy services.

8. Assumes responsibility to resolve or report clinical and operational issues department leadership for resolution in order to assure smooth departmental operations.

9. Attends and participates in clinical patient rounds and conferences as required, as part of the interdisciplinary patient care team. Communicates observations, facts and comments to interdisciplinary team members.

10. Attends occupational therapy in-service training programs. Suggests in-service topics and speakers. Presents information concerning continuing education courses to occupational therapy staff at in-service programs.

11. Oversees and directs the work of therapy aides, volunteers and students as directed by the department leadership. Requests Occupational Therapy Assistants, Therapy Aides; and volunteers assistance appropriately.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor's Degree plus five years of occupational therapist experience, or Masters Degree, or Master's equivalent, or Doctorate of OT, required.

2. Current licensure as an Occupational Therapist with the State of Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is required.

3. Current CPR certification is required.

4. Acute Rehab experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of occupational therapy theory and practice techniques. General knowledge of orthopedics, plastics, pediatrics, neurology, psychology, psychiatry, anatomy physiology, kinesiology, general medicine and the occupational therapy treatment implications of each.

2. Knowledge of Rehabilitation equipment, such as, work simulator, fluidotherapy, paraffin bath, hydroculator, and other therapeutic equipment is required.

3. Working knowledge of Psychiatry, such as current Diagnostic Statistical Manual diagnoses, and the ability to work independently as well as lead and co-lead group treatment is required.

4. Ability to read, write, and speak English in order to follow and give instructions accurately.

5. Ability to learn and practice positive guest relations skills.

6. Effective verbal and written communication skills are required in order to work with patients and other therapy personnel effectively.

7. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient populations(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.