Occupational Therapist

Job Summary

The occupational therapist provides direct patient care to improve, regain, or maintain patients safety and independence with daily function in the home setting, in accordance with acceptable standards.

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

• Evaluates patients functional status (muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self‑care ability, work capacity, etc.).
• Evaluates home environment for hazards or barriers to independent living and identifies equipment needs.
• Participates in the development of the total plan of care.
• Develops and implements treatment program and establishes goals for improved function; communicates plan of care to referring physician and other members of the interdisciplinary team.
• Assesses patient progress toward goals and adjusts treatment program as appropriate.
• Teaches new skills or retrains patient/caregiver in daily activities that have been lost due to illness or injury.
• Educates a patient's family about how to safely care for or assist the patient.
• Recommends and teaches patients how to use adaptive equipment that will assist them with activities of daily living.
• May fabricate splints and instruct patient in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function.
• May train patient in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.
• Maintains appropriate clinical records, clinical notes, and reports to the physician any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Maintains contact/communication with other personnel involved in the patient’s care to promote coordinated, efficient care.
• May perform work capacity evaluation and refer to specialized vocational training for patients who plan to return to work.
• The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.

The incumbents may be requested to perform job‑related tasks other than those stated in this description.