Lead Occupational Therapist

Job Summary

The Lead Therapist assists in developing, organizing, and supervising the full continuum of services provided by Rehabilitation Services in their designated hospital/site(s). Leadership is provided in the areas of quality improvement, staff recruitment and retention, competency development, and education planning. The Lead assists with budget development, department goal setting, regulatory compliance, and performance management. By fostering teamwork and creative thinking, long and short-term goals are set and aligned with the mission and vision of the organization.

The Lead provides direct care to patients by completing evaluations and treatments in accordance with appropriate licensure. In the absence of the department manager, the Lead assume all responsibility for day-to-day department operations. Utilizes time efficiently and effectively. Adheres to scheduling and productivity guidelines. Staff schedules require flexibility as they are dependent on patient care needs, which may include weekend and evening hours as necessary, to meet demand in their primary are or the needs across the system.

Promotes and attend community outreach events as necessary.

Essential Job Functions

• Documents on the white boards in the patient rooms to improve and aid in interdisciplinary communication and continuity of care (where applicable by location).
• Understands and upholds the mission, vision and values of the organization. Demonstrates and adhere to the missions, vision, value and Excela Credo in all aspects of position.
• FISCAL MANAGEMENT Assists with the utilization and control of time, materials, and personnel resources in an effective and efficient manner as evidenced by the following:
  • Assists with the development of annual department operating, personnel, and capital budgets.
  • Assists with identification and implementation of revenue enhancement opportunities
  • Assists with identification and implementation of measures that control costs while balancing quality.
  • Maintains current understanding of patient insurance, managed care, and reimbursement issues.
• PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT-Initiates and administers performance management programs:
  • Provides opportunities for the education, training, and skill development of staff including development of an annual department education plan.
  • Identifies staff educational needs via annual survey or questionnaires. Solicits staff input for programming content.
  • Assists manager by providing feedback for individual performance appraisals by established review date.
  • Rewards positive performance and celebrates accomplishments.
  • Assists manager to consistently and fairly administer departmental and organizational policies/procedures
• OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT-Allocates and delegates work to make efficient use of all resources:
  • Establishes staffing patterns according to the department/unit scope of service and budgetary guidelines.
  • Assists with interviewing, recruitment and retention of qualified staff.
  • Establishes clear work objectives and standards to prioritize and focus staff efforts.
  • Monitors safety policies and procedures for the operation of equipment and service delivery practice in compliance with regulatory and organization guidelines.
  • Collaborates with others in the delivery of services and the use of resources.
• REGULATORY STANDARDS Assures compliance with all laws, regulations and licensure standards
  • Assist manager in insuring compliance with all long-term care regulations for rehabilitation services
  • Assures compliance with all JCAHO and Department of Health standards and regulations.
  • Complies and holds staff accountable for compliance with all established guidelines as documented in policy & procedure manual.
  • Monitors quality control and quality management for…