The Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy services to patients in their place of residence. These patients may have impairments, cognitive, and/or physical limitations due to injury, disease, disability, or other causes. The patient population ranges in age from birth to over 100 years. The Occupational Therapist collaborates with the patient, family, physician, and other healthcare professionals to identify patient needs and coordinate services to meet those needs. The role also involves managing technical, environmental, and financial resources to ensure effective care.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and implement patient and family-focused care plans that institute standardized interventions for goal-oriented outcomes.
Ensure daily documentation in the computerized system is accurate, objective, and measurable.
Apply standard treatment procedures and provide teaching to patients and caregivers to ensure understanding and progress.
Maintain regular interdisciplinary communication with the healthcare team.
Conduct comprehensive clinical evaluations, including patient history, system reviews, and appropriate tests.
Reassess the treatment plan at least every 2 weeks with the patient, primary caregivers, and interdisciplinary team; modify and communicate the plan as needed.
Ensure physician orders are current, consistent with the care plan, and properly documented in the medical record.
Submit patient schedules on a daily basis to ensure efficient management of resources.
Orient and supervise Home Health Aides in accordance with agency and state guidelines.
Utilize Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) to optimize capacity and ensure compliance with visit schedules.
Manage patient caseloads of OTAs in line with agency, state, and professional guidelines.
Complete and submit timely documentation in accordance with agency standards.
Update Plan of Care (POC) devices as directed.
Verify Payor information on admission and maintain according to agency standards.
Ensure documentation supports Managed Care authorizations/DME requirements within designated timeframes.
Ensure visit schedules are consistent with authorizations by Managed Care payors.
Establish realistic, objective, and time-oriented goals for patient performance based on evaluation findings.
Discuss utilization/caseload with Manager as needed and make adjustments toward achieving goals.
Ensure reportable outcomes align with agency objectives.
Develop treatment and discharge plans based on findings from patient evaluations and patient goals.
Attend staff meetings, complete clinical competencies, and participate in mandatory training and education as required.
Inform patients of their weekly schedule and communicate any necessary changes promptly.
Required Qualifications:
Registered with the Board of Registration in Massachusetts.
Experience:
Minimum of two years of experience in acute care, rehabilitation, or home care as an Occupational Therapist.
Proficiency with various computer software; knowledge of hand-held patient care computer devices is preferred.
Strong customer service skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Excellent verbal, written, and electronic communication skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing situations, and work independently.
Travel within the designated geographic area is required.
Certifications:
Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification required.