Occupational Therapist

The Visiting Nurse Association, a part of the LECOM Institute for Successful Aging is now accepting resume submissions for a PRN Occupational Therapist.

Occupational Therapists provide skilled occupational therapy services on an intermittent basis to patients in their homes in accordance with the physician’s orders

CHARACTERISTIC JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists the physician in evaluating the patient’s level of function by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures
• Conducts initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of the patient’s needs, including Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) assessments.
• Evaluates the patient’s significant other(s), and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required and what family assistance will be available in caring for the patient, as well as what other Agency and community services will be required.
• Assures that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes.
• Assists in development and implementation of the interdisciplinary patient care plan to include Occupational Therapy in consultation with the physician
• Guides and instructs the patient in prescribed therapeutic self-care and creative activities that are directed toward improving independence and physical and mental functioning.
• Instructs patient in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, splints, and prosthetic and orthotic devices
• Teaches, supervises, and counsels the family and patient in the total occupational therapy program and other related problems of the patient at home
• Establishes goals based on the patient’s current level of functioning and potential for improvement and performs re-evaluations as indicated.
• Makes arrangement for outpatient services when procedures are required that cannot be given in the home
• Evaluates the effectiveness of occupational therapy intervention and updates the patient care plan as needed.
• Prepare clinical/progress notes on the day of the visit
• Communicates with the physician on a regular basis regarding patient’s status obtaining additional orders, if necessary.
• Communicates with the other team members and, when appropriate, instructs them in Occupational Therapy techniques that they may use while working with the patient.
• Supervises the Home Health Aide every 2 weeks when Occupational Therapy is the only professional discipline involved in the patient’s care.
• Participates with the staff, the patient, and the physician in discharge activities and completes an Occupational Therapy Discharge Summary.
• Assumes responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations and individual research and reading.
• Obtains a medical history, particularly as it related to the present condition.
• Evaluates the patient, the patient’s significant other(s) and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the patient, and what other Agency and community services will be required.
• Assures that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changesMust perform as a Universal Worker being cross-trained in other areas including Home Health Aide.
• Must be flexible to accept other duties needed or assigned by the resident or institution.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor or management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• Must possess required knowledge and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Must work cooperatively with all members of the team, following EEO rules and regulations, to accomplish a resident centered culture.
• Must demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Must show respect for residents, families, and fellow employees in all actions.
• Must have a high degree of integrity.
• Must respect the resources of the organization.
• Must follow all infection control procedures and guidelines.
• Must present professionally in proper uniform according to Employee Handbook.
• Must demonstrate attention toward quality service according to Federal and State Regulations.
• Must respect all resident rights according to Federal and State Regulations.
• Must maintain confidentiality according to Federal and State Regulations.
• Must follow all Organizational policies and procedures.
• Must participate in continuing education as required.
• Must process adequate equipment skills to complete daily work tasks including but not limited to the copier, fax, computer, and other electronic devices.
• The ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others, consistent with a workplace of dignity and respect and EEO rules and regulations.
• The ability to report to work as scheduled, ready to devote full attention and energy to the important work of LECOM.
• The ability to accept work directives from managers and supervisors in respectful and cooperative manner.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and experience equivalent to:

• Must have graduated from an Occupational Therapist curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), or its successor organizations.
• Must be licensed in the state of Pennsylvania
• Must have at least one year of institutional experience
• Must have current CPR certification

The LECOM Institute for Successful Aging is an Equal Opportunity Employer.