Occupational Therapist (OT) – Outpatient Rehabilitation

Major Responsibilities:

• Provision of Patient Care
  • Communicates with team members, other professionals, family members and caregivers for the purpose of sharing information that will assist in achieving optimum care for the patient. Establishes effective rapport with patients of all ages depending on assignment.
  • Selects appropriate adaptive equipment for patients and provides appropriate instruction in the maintenance and use of such equipment.
  • Maintains responsibility for patient plan of care and provides direction and recommendations regarding treatment and goals implemented by assistive personnel.
  • Plans appropriate treatment programs for patients based on physician referral, evaluation results, patient/family goals and interests, sound clinical judgment and other pertinent available information. Responsible for maintaining a productive schedule with an average of 6.0 out of 8.0 hours per day scheduled for direct clinical care. Informs coordinator of openings and/or cancellations in their daily schedule.
  • Administers daily treatment ensuring that the treatment plan is age-appropriate and adjusted as necessary in order to meet the changing needs of the patient.
  • Successfully completes all competency assessments pertaining to provision of patient care.
  • Determines the need for appropriate supplemental group therapy and requests that it be scheduled accordingly.
• Patient Assessment
  • Completes all pertinent assessment competencies.
  • Selects appropriate assessment procedures to assess the abilities and limitations of patients of all ages depending on area of assignment.
  • Administers, analyzes, and interprets initial assessments which determine the patient's status in the following areas of function: psychosocial and occupational role, musculoskeletal performance, sensation, sensorimotor performance, perception, cognition, developmental processes, the need for and use of adaptive equipment, positioning devices or durable medical equipment.
  • Establishes short and long terms goals which are functional and measurable.
• Documentation
  • Completes all documentation according to departmental policy.
• Daily Operations
  • Performs other duties such as completing billing sheets for all services rendered on the day delivered, maintaining a clean work environment, and serving on departmental committees and in program development efforts as appropriate.
  • Promotes patient safety by reporting issues through established channels and participating in safety initiatives as requested.
  • Participates in the continuous quality improvement projects.
  • Follows appropriate safety and infection control measures pertaining to patient care, equipment and the general working environment. Promptly reports any problems to their coordinator, and follows appropriate Advocate policies and procedures.
  • Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, in-services and continuing education programs.
  • Delegates patients to assistive personnel with direction and ongoing supervision while remaining responsible for the patient’s treatment program and goals.
  • Supervises occupational therapy interns at the request of the supervisor after completing one year of clinical experience.
  • Complies with organizational and departmental patient satisfaction initiatives. Routinely meets the needs and expectations of patients and their families.
  • Upholds all policies and procedures of Advocate Health Care / Advocate Christ Medical Center/Children’s Hospital.
• Patient / Family / Community Education
  • Provides education to the patient and family, or significant others based on patient needs. Identifies and addresses learning readiness, preferences and learning barriers.
  • May be required to participate in community education programs.
• Discharge Planning
  • Consults with other team members to determine when the patient will be ready for discharge.
  • Recognizes the need for termination of treatment and effectively plans discharge which may include establishing home treatment plans, arranging for equipment or devices, and/or arranging for continued services.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Occupational Therapist license issued by the state in which the team member practices (IL or WI).

Education/Experience Required:

• Masters degree in Occupational Therapy (or Bachelors degree for graduates prior to 2007) from an accredited school. • Maintains continuing education requirements as mandated by professional standards

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills • Competent in a variety of diagnostic and treatment techniques • Recognizes needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated
• Eligible for licensure to practice in Illinois • CPR Certification BCLS

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases. • Direct contact with body fluids. • Ability to assist, escort, transfer, and respond to patient needs for extended periods of time. • Required to work approximately 1 weekend per month and/ or evenings. Required to work a minimum of one of the 6 observed holidays or the day prior to or after the holiday per calendar year.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.