Field Occupational Therapist

DESCRIPTION :

The occupational therapist is responsible for evaluating the patient’s level of physical functioning in the home and to work with the patient, family and / or others to provide training and / or assistive devices to eliminate or reduce areas of deficit. The occupational therapist also works with the other professional staff to establish rehabilitation and maintenance measurable goals and activities.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Minimum Education Requirements :

1.    Current licensure in New York State

2.    Current Registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association in New York State.

3.    Graduate of a program in occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association in collaboration with the American Occupational Therapy Association; or

4.    Graduate of a curriculum in occupational therapy which is recognized by the World Federation of Occupational Therapists and is eligible for registration with the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Minimum Training Required :

1.    A minimum of one year occupational therapy experience in a health care setting, preferably home health care.

2.    Demonstration of considerable knowledge of current principals, procedures and techniques of occupational therapy.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provides occupational therapy services for patients as ordered by the prescribing physician.
• Assess and evaluates, physical and cognitive functional deficits of the individual patients, utilizing occupational therapy guidelines / modalities, professional knowledge and skills to provide quality patient services.
• Performs clinical tests to determine mental status and attention span, functional limitations, endurance level, range of motions, upper body strength, balance, mobility / transfer and ambulation level and potential for restoration.
• Completes an initial evaluation visit within three (3) business days of a patient referral;

o    makes telephone contact with the HHA nurse, followed by the submission of a written report to include assessment findings, measurable goals, visit frequency, and estimated duration of service. Recommendations and plans of treatment to the physician

o    modalities. Documents and communicate recommendations to the patient’s physician on the plan of care.