OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY: At Kahak Health Care Services, occupational therapy shall be provided with the purpose of maximizing patient independence, preventing the progression or onset of additional disabilities, and maintaining health and functional ability. Occupational Therapists are expected to deliver individualized, evidence based interventions that promote self-sufficiency and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life. All services must align with applicable regulations, professional standards, and Kahak’s organizational values.

DUTIES

Provides skilled occupational therapy service to patients in their homes in accordance with the physician's orders

Provides skilled occupational therapy service to patients in their homes in accordance with patient’s plan of care

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists the physician in evaluating the patient's level of function by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures

Conduct an initial evaluation and shall prepare clinical and progress notes

Conducts initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of the patient’s needs

Evaluates the patient's significant other(s) and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required and what family assistance will be available in caring for the patient as well as what other Agency and community services will be required

Ensures that the physician's orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes

Assists in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan to include Occupational Therapy in consultation with the physician

Guides and instructs the patient in prescribed therapeutic self-care and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning

Instructs patient in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthotic devices

Teaches, supervises, and counsels the family and patient in the total Occupational Therapy program and other related problems of the patient at home

Establishes goals based on the patient's current level of functioning and potential for improvement and performs re-evaluations, as indicated

Makes arrangements for outpatient services when procedures are required that cannot be given in the home

Evaluates the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention and updates the patient care plan, as needed

Prepares clinical/progress notes on the day of the visit which are incorporated into the chart per Agency policies

Communicates with the physician on a regular basis regarding patient's status obtaining additional orders, if necessary

Communicates with other team members and when appropriate instructs them in Occupational

Therapy techniques that they may use while working with the patient

Supervises the Home Health Aide, per Agency policy, when Occupational Therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the patient's care

Supervises the Occupational Therapy Assistant per Agency policy, if applicable

Participates in Agency activities, in-services, and meetings when appropriate

Confirms on a weekly basis the scheduling of visits with the Director of Nursing in order to coordinate Agency visits

Participates with the staff, the patient, and the physician in discharge activities and completes an Occupational Therapy Discharge Summary

Assumes responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her health care

knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations, and individual research and reading

ASSISTS IN THE AGENCY ADMISSION PROCESS

Obtains a medical history particularly as it relates to the present condition

Evaluates the patient, the patient’s significant other(s) and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the patient, and what other Agency and community services will be required.

Ensures that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes.

JOB CONDITIONS

The ability to drive and the ability to access patients’ homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

Hearing, eyesight, and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the patient's condition and to perform patient care.

On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach, and move patient weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.

Must be able to effectively communicate in English

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Occupational therapy equipment and other medical equipment will be utilized. Hand washing

materials

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to patient medical records based on the ‘need to know’.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be a graduate of an Occupational Therapy school, approved by the Council of Medical Education of the A.M.A., in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association

2. Preferably should be a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association

3. Must be a person licensed or permitted to practice occupational therapy under the District of Columbia Health Occupations Revision Act of 1985 (HORA).

4. Must have at least one year of institutional/home health experience

5. Must have a criminal background check

6. Must have current CPR certification