Duties:
1. Independently performs evaluations of patients' functional abilities by administering a variety of contemporary standardized and non-standardized tests to determine Occupational Therapy needs. Primary evaluation instruments and/or procedures include, but are not limited to cognitive assessments, strength and motion measurements, activities of daily living evaluations, observation, interview and review of medical histories.
2. Modifies evaluation tools as necessary based on specific patient characteristics.
3. Interprets evaluation findings to develop an effective and individualized care plan that is appropriate and indicated for the impairments being treated.
4. Collaborates with the patient, caregiver, family members, and interdisciplinary professionals to develop the care plan, including short- and long-term goals.
5. Develops functional goals that are objective, measurable, and achievable within realistic time frames.
6. Recognizes contraindications, precautions, and appropriateness of treatment prescribed by referring provider.
7. Identifies the need for and ensures collaboration among other healthcare professionals across the continuum of care.
8. Effectively collaborates with patients, family members, caregivers, and other professionals utilizing verbal, nonverbal, and written communication.
9. Develops and carries out a full range of Occupational Therapy treatments using a wide variety of evidence-based treatment techniques and modalities. These treatments may include but are not limited to strengthening and range of motion exercises; self-care training; application of adaptive equipment and splints; patient and family education regarding disability; cognitive re-training and wheelchair mobility.
10. Procures, fabricates, adjusts, adapts, and modifies orthoses, splints, adaptive equipment, and home safety equipment in accordance with the treatment plan. Trains the patient and/or caregiver in use and care of the device. Observes the patient as he uses the device to ensure proper use.
11. Monitors response to interventions and uses advanced professional judgement to modify treatment plans based on changing medical conditions or as necessitated by patient complexity.
12. Utilizes population-specific (including age, gender, and period of military service) competencies to deliver individualized care.
13. Conducts assessments and patient care by considering how individual patient characteristics affect the patient's ability to understand instructions, provide effective self-assessment, and participate safely and effectively in the treatment program.
14. Thoroughly documents patient status and progress, therapy plan and patient response to treatment using both verbal and written means of communication. Documents in the medical record the initial evaluation, treatment plan, progress notes, and discharge notes in a manner that meets professional, facility, and Joint Commission standards.
15. Actively participates in department and program meetings and makes alternate arrangements when unable to attend.
16. Participates in care planning and discharge meetings. Performs this duty by attending meeting, reporting on the patient's status, and contributing to treatment planning.
17. Collects and reports functional outcomes. Performs this duty by administering the appropriate functional scale at admission, discharge, and necessary intervals. Document the score obtained from the functional scale in necessary documentation. Submits the score for entry into the database.
18. Takes responsibility for remaining current of departmental initiatives and functions. Performs this by reading (and responding as directed) to interdepartmental and intradepartmental communications.
19. Participates in studies of patient access, clinic utilization, performance monitors as directed. Works to improve these areas as directed. Performs this duty to ensure continuous improvement in patient care, utilization, and T JC readiness. Performs this duty by receiving feedback from supervisors and implementing recommended actions. Performs this duty by collecting data as directed by supervisors, being aware of performance within these performance monitors, and making changes in patient evaluation, treatment, and documentation as directed by supervisor.
20. Serves within candidate pool to participate in clinical education. If selected as a Clinical Instructor, completes all intake and exit procedures as outlined by Education Service and the PM&RS Coordinator for Clinical Education. Uses a system of graduated responsibility in assigning duties to the student. Completes all requirements of the affiliating institution.
Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 0730-1600
Telework: Not Available
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #: 60755-F
Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
Starting at $59,966 Per Year (GS 00)
