Occupational Therapist

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

• Demonstrate correct application of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with current professional occupational therapy practice as evidenced by licensure. Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and techniques consistent with current clinical standards based on occupational therapy theory and evidence-based practice. Knowledge is inclusive of physical, occupational, cognitive, and psychosocial functional deficits.
• Utilizes critical analysis, clinical reasoning, and creativity to independently solve complex problems related to adapting and modifying assessments, treatment plans, activities and procedures to meet the needs of veterans. Skill in developing protocols and procedures for intervention programs based on current occupational therapy theory, recent research, and practice. Ability to procure, fabricate, adjust, adapt and modify orthoses, splints, and adaptive equipment (inclusive of durable medical equipment). Participates in the performance improvement activities of the service.
• Selects standardized testing and follows defined protocols when indicated. Develops and implements individualized occupational therapy treatment programs for veterans. Included in the intervention plan are client-centered goals that are clear, measurable, functional, contextually relevant and appropriate to the veteran's needs and expected outcomes. Develops and documents an intervention plan that is based on the results of the occupational therapy evaluation and the goals of the veteran. Monitors progress during the intervention process and documents progress of goals, performance and needs. Modifies intervention to reflect changes in status and response to intervention.
• Informs Veteran's and appropriate others regarding the relative benefits and risks of the intervention. Discontinues services when the client has achieved predetermined goals, has achieved maximum benefits from occupational therapy services, does not desire to continue services or upon failure to demonstrate continued progress toward goals. Prepares and implements a discharge plan that addresses follow-up resources and identifies change in status between initial evaluation and discharge. This may require provision of adapted equipment, environmental alterations and involvement with outside agencies and community resources.
• Works effectively with treatment team members including, veterans, family/significant others, and other health care providers in coordinating the veteran's total care. Ability to collaborate and communicate orally and in writing with all internal and external stakeholders to promote positive communication, collaboration and teamwork. Documents evaluation results, treatment plans, patient response to treatment and education given in accordance with the facility policy including The Joint Commission requirements and Long-Term Care Institute requirements, VHA, VISN, CARF and AOTA guidelines. Performs timely documentation in accordance with service and medical center policies.
• Reviews Occupational Therapy consults to identify necessary elements and determine clinical appropriateness of referral for assessment and evaluation. Educates current and potential referral sources about the scope of occupational therapy services and the process of initiating occupational therapy services. Uses screening methods appropriate to the veteran's performance and communicates screening results and recommendations to the appropriate personnel. Refers clients to resources outside PMRS through their medical provider when the needs of the client can best be served by the expertise of other professionals or services.
• Maintains clinic cleanliness and equipment functioning, enforcing safety policies and procedures. Complies with health, safety, and environmental rules and procedures and performs work in a manner that enhances the safety of the work environment. Ensures strict adherence to federal, state, and local codes concerning health, safety, and the environment as applicable within the performance of his/her duties.
• Incumbent is responsible for providing evaluation and treatment for both inpatient and outpatient veterans in order to maximize Veteran's functional level. Educates in use of orthoses and adaptive equipment, both prefabricated and custom equipment. Evaluates for home modifications to enhance accessibility. Educates patients and families by demonstrating techniques designed to attain veterans' highest level of independence Also includes the use of physical agent modalities.