Occupational Therapist/Hand Therapist

Position Summary

Under the indirect supervision of the clinical director, and by doctor referral or direct access, the staff Occupational Therapist/Hand Therapist will evaluate the patient’s condition, plan and initiate a treatment program, maintain appropriate records, directly supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides of treatment follow through, and create a rehabilitation program to fit the therapeutic and functional needs of the patient. The Occupational Therapist/Hand Therapist will interpret and report patient’s progress and results to the appropriate Physician. The goal of therapy is to promote recovery of musculoskeletal disabilities of a patient, and progress the patient toward normal function and/or functional independence within the patient’s capabilities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities of the Occupational Therapist/Hand Therapist include, but are not limited to:

• Evaluating and establishing a treatment and rehabilitation program for patients. Treatment protocol is followed through by the primary therapist with the assistance of the COTA or  Aide.  The Primary Therapist is determined by the completion of initial evaluation.
• Responsibilities for the follow through, re-evaluation, and discharge planning of patients.
• Maintains ongoing communication and professional rapport with referral sources regarding patients progress as well as clinical services.
• Uses facility equipment and supplies in cost effective and respectful manner that ensures equipment is in safe working condition.
• Performs skill services under code of ethics mandated by the OPTA.
• Has working knowledge of job duties and complies with all stated policies and procedures.
• Uses legible and accurate, legal documentation by OPTA standards and WPT standards.
• Educates and oversees O.T. Assistants, Aides, volunteers, and students.
• Attends all staff meetings.
• Develops and coordinates student educational program and maintains correspondence with the academic clinical coordinator.
• Participates in the process to review current clinical procedures and assists with the development of revised/new clinical procedures manual.
• Incorporates safety, infection control, and emergency procedures into all treatments.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment.
• Attends continuing education courses on related clinical topics.

Education/Experience

• License in Occupational Therapy in the state of Washington required
• Current CPR Certification required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Establish rapport with patients and families and explain reasons for therapy interventions.
• Work actively with other staff members to promote quality care of the patient.
• Knowledge and compliance with HIPAA
• Demonstrates and openness towards others point of view, employee interactions and/or client interactions while displaying courtesy and respect at all times.
• Disposition, temperament, and reactions are consistent with the philosophy that the patient welfare is the primary objective.
• Adheres to departmental policies and procedures regarding attendance, absentees, and professional dress code.
• Perform and teach proper body mechanics, posture, and lifting techniques.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of frequent lifting, bending, and stooping.
• Health status must be appropriate to the physical and emotional demands of the position.
• Ability to function under pressure and stress.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The work environment/physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently abled persons to perform the essential functions.

Work may be performed in an office and clinical environment. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. While performing the duties of this job, the associate is regularly required to talk or hear. The associate is required to sit for long periods of time, stand and walk, bend and stretch. Use of telephone and computer is required. Manual dexterity required for use of computer keyboard. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 pounds. May requires working under stressful conditions or working irregular hours.