**Position: Occupational Therapist I**

**Role Overview:** The Occupational Therapist I position encompasses the delegation of responsibilities to Occupational Therapist Assistants and Aides. This role is inherently patient-centered, involving comprehensive assessment, strategic planning, targeted intervention, and meticulous evaluation, all conducted in alignment with occupational therapy standards, physician directives, and institutional policies.

**Service Areas:** Primarily focused on outpatient therapy, with occasional responsibilities in acute care settings.

**Essential Duties and Responsibilities:**

- Conduct comprehensive evaluations of patients’ functional capabilities through both formal and informal assessment tools to establish a baseline for skeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, developmental, social, and cognitive functions.  

- Formulate a tailored treatment regimen based on evaluative data and the patient's ability to adhere to prescribed therapies.

- Prepare and submit a detailed written treatment protocol integrated into the overall treatment plan, sanctioned by the supervising physician; revise this plan as necessitated by changes in patient condition and co-sign verbal instructions relayed to occupational therapist assistants when appropriate.

- Develop a patient-centric treatment schedule, specifying frequency and duration, and discuss this plan with patients, families, and caregivers while ensuring alignment with clinical support staff.

- Provide education to patients, families, and caregivers regarding their condition, potential treatment options, prognosis, and the rationale behind intervention strategies, utilizing modalities such as rest, exercise, and other therapeutic techniques. '

- Supervise Occupational Therapist Assistants, Home Health Aides, and students in accordance with affiliate and regulatory guidelines.

**Additional Responsibilities:**

- Recommend and facilitate the acquisition of adaptive and supportive equipment based on assessment findings; coordinate with relevant suppliers to ensure timely procurement for patient use.

- Document patient, family, and caregiver responses to interventions and monitor changes in patient status in compliance with affiliate documentation policies and regulatory requirements.

**Job Description:**

- Maintain accurate daily documentation necessary for billing as per affiliate protocols and regulatory standards.

- Deliver treatment interventions proficiently, aimed at optimizing patient functionality within the specific domain of care.

- Educate patients, families, and caregivers on home exercise programs, employing effective pedagogical techniques.

- Ensure clear and effective communication with both internal and external stakeholders to enhance the quality of care, including collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.

- Promote professional education and development among colleagues, students, and healthcare professionals through relevant training methodologies.

- Engage in continuous process improvement initiatives.

- Contribute to program development efforts.

- Participate actively in team conferences and interdisciplinary discussions as required.

- Advocate for occupational therapy through community education initiatives.

- Assume case management responsibilities for designated cases.

- Exhibit a strong commitment to the affiliate's mission by demonstrating excellence in customer service, quality care, and teamwork.

- Uphold patient confidentiality and safeguard affiliate information.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

**Certifications and Licenses:**

- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within one month of hire or transfer.

- National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) certification. - Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR).

**Educational Requirements:**

- Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

**Experience, Training, and Skills:**

- A minimum of one year of experience is preferred; new graduates may be considered.

- Successful completion of orientation specific to the affiliate and proficiency in new hire competencies.

- Strong interpersonal skills for effective verbal and written communication within diverse groups and at all levels.

- Capable of working autonomously while demonstrating problem-solving, organizational skills, time management, and initiative.

- Compliance with Mandatory Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training annually following the Exposure Control Plan.

- Preparedness to operate in environments with potential exposure to communicable diseases and proficient in the use of personal protective equipment.

- Ability to fulfill essential job functions with reasonable accommodations.

- Competence in demonstrating and instructing selected treatment modalities to both professional and lay individuals.

- AOTA membership is preferred.