DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:This is a professional position involving responsibility for evaluating, planning and providing occupational therapy treatment to patients* in accordance with written prescription or referral from a physician who provides medical direction. The Occupational Therapist is responsible to a Senior Occupational Therapist or, is there is no senior position, to the facility administrator for the operation of the department. Supervision may be exercised
over the work of Occupational Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapy Aides and clerical employees assigned to the service. Does related work, as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:
Performs occupational therapy procedures upon the written prescription or referral
from a physician, utilizing a creative activity which may be manual, industrial, recreational or educational designed and/or adapted to correct or remedy any disability;
Evaluates the degree of function and disability of patients unless contra-indicated
by professional judgment or a physician’s admission notes;
Develops a treatment plan based upon his/her findings, short and long term rehabilitation goals and in accordance with the physician’s diagnoses, prescription or referral;
Records on patients’ charts all evaluations, re-evaluations, progress notes, consultations and discharge summaries;
Participates in the selection of personnel in the occupational therapy service, assigns their duties and provides supervision;
Fabricates and applies hand splints, trains patients in the use of adaptive assistive devices and/or self-help techniques to achieve maximum independence;
Participates with other facility personnel in the formulation of patients’ total care plans;
Confers periodically with a Senior Occupational Therapist and physicians regarding all facets of patient care and related activities;
Develops or assists in the development of occupational therapy policies and procedures;
Assists in the development of, and instructs in the facility’s in-service educations program;
Maintains program records including but not limited to the service budget, statistical reports of the frequency and types of treatment and number of patients treated.
The above examples of duties are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND/OR PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:Good knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices of occupational therapy; good knowledge of the operation and minor maintenance of apparatus and equipment used in occupational therapy; working knowledge of community resources available to support or supplement the occupational therapy program; ability to evaluate, plan and execute treatment for patients; ability to plan and supervise the work of others; ability to get along well with others; good physical condition commensurate with the demands of the job.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Licensed and currently registered by the New York State Education Department as an Occupational Therapist.
*The term “patient” should be changed to “resident” when position is used in health related facilities.