Occupational Therapist

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST: JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Requirements

• Bachelor (or higher degree) of Science in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Successful completion of National Certification Examination for OTR.
• Current state licensure or license eligible.
• Assumes responsibility for ongoing continuing education and professional development.

Physical demand for this job is classified as "medium work" which includes

• Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting up to 25 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force constantly
• Occasional push and pull of up to 25 pounds
• Standing frequently
• Walking frequently
• Bending frequently
• Overhead reach infrequently
• Squatting occasionally
• Kneeling occasionally
• Standing rotation occasionally
• Gripping frequently
• Sitting occasionally
• Stair climbing occasionally
• Average work day is up to 8 hours
• Employee may be subject to unpredictable and hazardous patient/resident behavior.

Northwoods Rehab will provide reasonable accommodation upon request from the employee.

Responsible to and reports to the Director of Therapy/Rehab.

• Provides and directs occupational therapy services to patients including assessment, treatment, program planning and implementation, related documentation and communication. Functions under physician’s orders.
• Provides occupational therapy services to patients and initiates referrals when appropriate and in accordance with Northwoods rehab Policies and Procedures.
• Conducts screenings of patients at regular intervals to determine need for intervention/treatment.
• Evaluates patients to obtain data necessary for treatment planning and implementation. Conducts specialized evaluations as indicated.
• Interprets and communicates evaluation findings to patients, family and other team members.
• Establishes individual patient schedules in conjunction with other team members.
• Develops treatment plans by identifying a target list, including short and long-term goals and methods to achieve identified goals.
• Coordinates treatment plan with patient, family and other team members.
• Implements and conducts treatment as outlined in treatment plan.
• Monitors patient’s response to intervention and modifies treatment as indicated to attain goals in accordance with physician orders.
• Develops appropriate home or programming within the community to maintain and enhance the performance of the patient in their own environment.
• Documents results of patient’s assessment, treatment, follow-up and termination of services.
• Adapts treatment to meet the individual needs of the patient.
• Provides, recommends, fabricates adaptive devices or other equipment; trains patient, family and appropriate staff in the use or application of orthotics and prosthetics.
• Participates in discharge planning.
• Supervises and directs COTAs in the implementation of the treatment plan.
• Supervises Rehabilitation Techs/Aides, students and volunteers.
• Reviews the quality and appropriateness of the total services delivered and individual occupational therapy programs for effectiveness and efficiency, using predetermined criteria.
• Participates in patient, family and staff education.
• Confers formally and informally with other team members in coordinating the total rehabilitation program of the patient.
• Adheres to Northwoods Therapy procedures regarding documentation of occupational therapy services.
• Attends in-service meetings and facility meetings as required.
• Provides in-service education to the members of the patients care team and education to the community.
• Provides treatment in accordance with established standards of practice and department procedures.
• Maintains safe and clean work area and adheres to facility safety standards, as well as complying with all Infection Control, Universal Precautions and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional.
• Consistently demonstrates sound judgment in the evaluation, planning, implementation and follow up of patient therapy programs.
• Maintains positive relationships and rapport with coworkers, supervisor, patients, family members and facility personnel and administration.
• Reports to work on time and coordinates schedule for efficient patient treatments.
• Assists with and participates in Quality Assurance Program as required.
• Adheres to established confidentiality standards.
• Projects a positive and professional image at all times.
• May be asked to travel to participate in home assessments within a reasonable distance from the facility.
• Maintains passwords for the software required for position and keeps all passwords secure.
• Performs such other duties as assigned and as required to effectively perform the responsibilities of the position and are in the best interest of Northwoods Rehab.

OT Job Description - Updated 10/1/2025