**Occupational Therapist**

The main job of an Occupational Therapist (OT) is to help patients recover and improve their daily life skills after an injury, illness, or surgery. They follow the treatment plans given by doctors and make sure patients are safe and that care is well organized to avoid mistakes.

The right person for this role should know about different health problems that affect the upper body, like joint issues, nerve problems, and how to care for patients after surgery. They should also be familiar with treatment methods, such as hands-on therapy, exercises, and activities that help patients regain their strength and abilities.

**Responsibilities include:**

- Providing treatments and therapies as prescribed by a doctor to help patients recover and avoid further issues.
- Helping patients achieve their best possible functioning while understanding their limits.
- Observing how patients respond to treatment and suggesting changes to the doctor if needed.
- Evaluating each patient properly based on their therapy needs, and regularly checking their progress.
- Identifying any pain that affects a patient’s ability to recover and communicating this to the doctor.
- Creating a teaching plan for patients and their families, based on what they need to learn.
- Treating all patients and their families with respect, and considering their cultural and personal needs.
- Safely handling and maintaining therapy equipment and keeping the work area clean.
- Interacting professionally with patients and their families, involving them in their own care plans.
- Communicating clearly with doctors, staff, and other team members.
- Coordinating patient care to meet their needs while following hospital guidelines.
- Working with other departments to enhance patient care and improve services.
- Guiding and managing Occupational Therapy Assistants and students.
- Keeping accurate records about department operations and staff.
- Following rules for clinical documentation.
- Helping train new staff members.
- Taking part in education and training programs.
- Using approved shortcuts when writing down information.
- Ensuring patient charges are correct and submitted on time.

**Qualifications:**

- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification - Required.
- Licensed Occupational Therapist eligible in New Hampshire - Required.
- Graduate from an accredited Occupational Therapy school or equivalent - Required.
- Experience in outpatient Occupational Therapy - Strongly Preferred.

**Certification Requirements:**

- BLS (American Heart Association)

**State License Requirements:**

- New Hampshire