Travel Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Occupational Therapist
Santa Rosa, CA
The Good Life MedStaff
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Job Description: Occupational Therapist
Job Title: Occupational Therapist
Reports To: Healthcare Administrator/Manager

Overview:
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is a healthcare professional who assists patients in developing, recovering, and improving the skills required for daily living and working. OTs evaluate the physical, psychological, and environmental aspects that affect the patients' ability to perform daily tasks. They work with individuals of all ages, from children with developmental disabilities to elderly patients recovering from surgery or injury.

Common Duties and Responsibilities:
Assessing Patients: Conduct evaluations of patients’ physical, emotional, and cognitive abilities, as well as their environment, to determine the necessary therapeutic interventions.

Developing Treatment Plans: Create individualized therapy plans based on the assessment, working with patients to set goals and choose appropriate interventions.

Providing Therapy: Assist patients in performing exercises, using adaptive equipment, and practicing tasks to enhance their ability to live independently and safely.

Education and Training: Teach patients and their families techniques to improve functional abilities, as well as how to use assistive devices and equipment.

Collaborating with Other Healthcare Professionals: Work closely with physical therapists, doctors, nurses, and social workers to coordinate patient care and rehabilitation programs.

Monitoring Progress: Regularly evaluate and document patient progress, adjusting therapy plans and goals as necessary.

Preventing Injury: Educate patients about ergonomics and proper techniques for avoiding injuries at work, at home, and during physical activity.

Maintaining Documentation: Keep accurate records of patient treatments, progress, and outcomes, complying with healthcare regulations and standards.

Providing Emotional Support: Support patients in adjusting to their conditions or disabilities, ensuring their mental and emotional well-being is also addressed.

Skills and Qualifications:
Education: Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.

Certification and Licensing: Must be certified by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and licensed by the state board in the state of employment.

Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills, critical thinking, patience, attention to detail, ability to work with diverse populations.

Experience: Experience in healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or home healthcare settings is preferred.

States Requiring Certification or Licensing:
Occupational therapists must be licensed to practice in all U.S. states. The certification and licensing process varies slightly from state to state, but the following are common requirements:

Certification (NBCOT): Occupational therapists are required to pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Once certified, they can apply for licensure in any state.

State Licensure: All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories require occupational therapists to hold a valid state license to practice. Each state has its own licensing board that sets specific requirements, including continuing education for license renewal.

Some states may have additional regulations, such as:

Reciprocity agreements with other states allowing easier transfer of licenses.

Continuing education requirements to maintain licensure.

Criminal background checks for licensure approval.

States with Specific Certification or Additional Requirements:
California: Requires passing a state exam in addition to the NBCOT exam.

Texas: Requires licensure from the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners.

Florida: Requires passing a state law exam.

It is important for occupational therapists to review the specific licensing requirements for the state in which they wish to practice.

Working Conditions:
Work is typically performed in clinical or healthcare settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, or private practice.

May require travel to patients' homes in home health settings.