Occupational Therapist - Certified Hand Therapist

Position Summary

The Certified Occupational Hand Therapist evaluates, establishes treatment plans, and administers a medically prescribed occupational therapy program in accordance with professional guidelines as described by the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Essential Job Functions / Accountabilities

Evaluates / re-evaluates patient’s functional ability and physical status consistent with diagnosis and physician referral. Develops plan of care and measurable goals consistent with evaluation findings, current professional literature (evidence-based), and physician referral. Makes appropriate recommendations and referrals for involvement of interdisciplinary team members, medical specialists, and psychosocial resources.

Administers therapeutic treatment efficiently and competently. Establishes treatment frequency, duration, and Rehab potential. Alters, revises, or discontinues therapy according to patient response. As part of treatment program, provides timely instruction to patients and caregivers in activities, adaptive equipment and therapeutic exercise for home program to enhance clinic treatment. Assesses need for, selects and issues appropriate adaptive equipment for the patient as part of evaluation and treatment.

Process appropriate paperwork to facilitate distribution of same per department policy and procedure. Documents patient evaluation, treatment program, progress and discharge summary in medical record in established time frame per departmental Policy and Procedure. Prepares timely and accurate reports to physicians. Bills daily charges consistent with Occupational Therapy services rendered in order to ensure accurate correlation between work performed and billable service. Consults with physician, other health care professionals, certifying agencies and reimbursement sources regarding patient status and progress.

Initiates consult with supervisor if barriers to meeting departmental expectations arise. Assists with development and participation in teaching programs for department and other professionals throughout CCOC to promote understanding and optimal use of therapy facilities and treatment programs. Attends in-service education programs, journal clubs and continuing education courses to keep abreast of new developments. Incorporates newly learned skills into daily practice and shares same with the department. Participates as clinical instructor for students’ affiliates upon request and mentors student observers. Acts as preceptor and role model for new staff members.

Assists with daily departmental operations including inventory maintenance, scheduling, budgetary processes, and coordination of patient care, customer satisfaction, and human resource issues. Demonstrates effective time management with daily schedule, individual treatment sessions, and non-patient care time. Provides input into policy and procedure development and revisions, participates in QA / QI process and / or projects using Six Sigma or Lean techniques to positively impact service outcomes and delivery costs.

Demonstrates financial prudence, does not waste supplies / materials. Seeks ways to reduce cost, and adheres to department budget. Maintains appropriate work flow as to contribute to departmental productivity standards.

All other duties not specifically assigned.

Position Requirements

Education : Bachelor’s degree required. Masters and / or Doctorate of Occupational Therapy required.

Experience : Three (3) to Five (5) years of demonstrated experience in field or profession preferred.

Certifications / Licenses / Registrations : Current license to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the state of Ohio; issued by the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Athletic Trainers Board. BLS required. Certified Hand Therapist certification preferred.