A. BASIC PURPOSE

The Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy for the agency’s patients in accordance with the individual patient’s needs and goals as addressed in the plan of care. The Occupational Therapist must have knowledge and understanding of a patient’s illness or injury and the ability to assess these needs and plan appropriate interventions. The role of the Occupational Therapist is to work as part of the home health care team including RN, COTA, PT, PTA, SLP, MSW and Home Health Aides to assist the patient in achieving their optimum goals.

B. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides occupational therapy services to patients according to a plan of care. This may include, but is not limited to :
A. Evaluating patient’s functional status, muscle function, endurance, visual coordination, written and verbal communication skills, self-care ability, work capacity, etc.
B. Evaluating home environment for hazards or barriers to independent living.
C. Participating in the development of and communicating the plan of care to attending physician, home care team members and patient, family and/or caregivers as it relates to occupational therapy services.
D. Teaching patient and/or family/caregivers new skills or re-train in activities of daily living, in accordance with the plan of care.
E. Fabricating splints as needed and instructing patient, family and/or caregivers in the use of various types of adaptive equipment to improve function.
F. May train patient, family and/or caregiver in the use of prosthetic and/or orthotic devices.
2. Reports patient’s reaction to treatment or changes in care to patient’s physician as needed and appropriate.
3. Instructs and educates other home care personnel, patient, family and/or caregivers in patient’s therapy treatment regimen, as well as the goals of therapy.
4. Supervises the Certified Occupation Therapy Assistant (COTA), which includes, but is not limited to, the following activities:
a. Provides direction and instruction regarding the care provided by the COTA.
b. Performs an on-site supervisory visit at the patient’s home, a minimum, every thirty (30) days or more frequently to guarantee that the plan of care is implemented, followed and that patient/family are satisfied with the care and services being provided. Documents supervisory visits in the patient record.
c. Conducts regularly scheduled case conferences, either face-to-face or by telephone, and patient record reviews with COTA.
d. Conducts employee performance evaluations for the COTA at the completion of the probationary period and annually thereafter.
5. Participates in the agency’s Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement program.
6. Participates as a member of the Professional Advisory Committee and reports all appropriate and relevant information relative to the provision of clinical services.
7. Confers with the attending physician, home health team members and patient and/or family/caregivers to promote coordinated and comprehensive care.
8. Completes a minimum of 12 hours of inservices per year.
9. Participates in meetings and other related activities as needed.
10. Maintains appropriate clinical records, progress notes and reports to the physician and submits these records in a timely manner in accordance with agency policy, state and federal guidelines and regulations.
11. Instructs patient and/or family/caregiver and other team members in the patient’s treatment regimen as indicated.
12. Meets or exceeds delivery of agency service standards in a consistent fashion.
13. Adheres to the agency’s Code of Conduct.
14. Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare home health regulations and established agency policies and procedures.
The primary responsibility 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.

C. HUMAN RELATIONS

1. Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor and be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, Director of Nursing/Clinical Manager, co-workers and all others.
2. Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other health care team members and reflect concern for the well-being of patients and others

D. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (See Attached Physical Requirements Form)

1. This position requires the Occupational Therapist to work in a variety of environments (housing styles, cleaning and maintenance, heating and cooling) during visits to patients in their place of residence.
2. Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
3. Must have ability sufficient to ambulate throughout a patient's home, navigating stairs and other physical barriers typical to private residences.
4. Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel to and visit in patient’s homes in varying weather and road conditions.
5. Must be able to deal effectively with stress.

E. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Education Graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum accredited jointly by the committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
2. Experience
a. Minimum of two years’ clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist. Community/ home health experience preferred
3. Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification
a. Current and valid license as an Occupational Therapist in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the Occupational Therapy Act (63 P.S. §§1501-1519).
b. Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation that is insured in accordance with Pennsylvania requirements.
c. Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers. d. Satisfactory criminal background check.

I have read and understand the Administrator job description. It has been reviewed and discussed with me and I have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding same.