Occupational Therapist
Waimea, HI
Patterns Hiring
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Need to get Hawaii PT license ASAP

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Management of Patient Care
1. Observes, assesses, evaluates and re-evaluates level of function. Collects objective measurements and uses outcome measures in all applicable areas of ADL, ROM, strength and function as indicated, for individual diagnosis and medical conditions.

2. Provides direct patient treatment upon development and implementation of written occupational therapy plan of care, under a physician referral. Uses appropriate treatment to prevent deterioration, develop skills, and restore function. Independently plans, organizes, initiates, and conducts occupational therapy treatment, as needed. Plans and implements purposeful therapeutic activities to restore function or to maintain patient functioning at the appropriate level. Areas of treatment include activities of daily living; sensory integrative functioning; designing, fabricating, and fitting of orthotics and self-help devices; psychosocial functioning; and upper extremity motor functioning.

3. Acts as activities consultant for the LTC and hospital, and, as such, provides input to activities coordinator, Recreation Aide, regarding planning, organizing, initiating, and conducting activity programs for individuals and groups of patients/residents.

4. Responsible for providing safe, efficient and economical care. Must know the philosophy, purpose, policies and standards of HHSC Kaua’i Region, the Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy departments, and provides explanations and implementation within the unit; interprets the organizational structure and communication channels with the department and hospital unit personnel.

5. Instructs patient/resident and staff on specific occupational therapy recommendations. Provides advisory and consultative services to patients, residents, activities programs, other therapists, diagnostic team members, etc.

6. Plans and organizes workload and is aware and flexible to acute needs of patients and departments.

7. Documents all services rendered, including health teaching.

8. Communicates with physician and other staff members of the inter-disciplinary team and community agencies involved in the program.

9. Coordinates discharge follow-up with community agencies as needed.

10. Interacts with patient in order to reduce anxiety. Informs the patient what to expect and assures the continuity of care. Uses knowledge of different cultures to assess each patient’s cultural specific needs and provide cultural specific treatment and care.

11. Uses the principles of pain management in assisting each patient to be as comfortable and pain free as possible by assessing, treating and educating patient and family.

12. Uses the principles of growth and development to assess each patient’s age-specific needs and provide age specific treatment and care.

13. Participates in the delivery of patient care for the department. Directs patient care, as needed, evaluates outcomes, consults with other specialists as required, and adjusts processes as indicated to ensure optimal patient care.

14. Provides input and standards in formulating patient care policy and procedures for the department and the organization; works with the medical staff to coordinate medical and departmental management of patient care.

15. Ensures all activities related to patient care meet standards for quality; organizes and ensures continuity of care based on current knowledge; responsible for the transcription and execution of physicians’ orders and interpretation of orders and care anticipated.

16. May assume role of patient advocate respecting guidelines found in the Patient Bill of Rights.

17. Demonstrates clinical expertise in area of specialty.

B. Departmental and Administrative Responsibilities
1. Assists the Physical Therapist IV in planning, organizing, and coordinating an occupational therapy program for HHSC Kaua’i Region. Provides administrative leadership to department.

2. Plans, develops and implements strategies for the allocation of resources to achieve objectives. Develops long- and short-range plans within the broader framework of corporate, regional and facility policies and procedures and in compliance with applicable regulatory and governing authority to strive towards improved profitability and to meet operational objectives.

3. Plans departmental in-services that increase the quality of our patient care.

4. Investigates and evaluates causes of complaints and problems of patients, visitors, and personnel; solves minor problems; reports major or recurrent problems; communicates effectively and clearly.

5. Participates in developing, justifying and maintaining annual operational and capital budget for the department. Monitors variance against budget on an ongoing basis. Prepares reports for the Director / Administrator to justify variance beyond predetermined threshold.

6. Participates in trial usage of equipment to monitor the effectiveness and reliability to maintain the standards of safety and care; evaluates and sets standards for facilities and equipment, and monitors utilization of equipment and supplies.

7. Collaborates to ensure a safe, clean and secure environment for patients, staff and visitors. Promotes open communication within the department and with other units and departments. Participates in activities of the department, i.e., The Joint Commission (TJC), Safety, Performance Improvement, and Infection Control.

8. Reports unsafe equipment and assures follow-up. Assures that all equipment necessary for provision of care is readily available and in working order. Reports incidents and unusual occurrences according to department policies.

9. Attends hospital-wide meetings as assigned, and actively participates on a variety of committees, as required or directed. Ensures that the department maintains established policies, procedures, QAPI program objectives, environmental and infection control standards.

10. Participates in program for orientation to and practice of emergency procedures; fire drills, evacuation procedures, and internal/external disaster plans and procedures.

11. Make recommendations to the Physical Therapist IV regarding new or existing operational practices, policies and procedures and develops policies and standards for department.

12. Actively works within the community to promote services and enhance relationships.

13. Maintains departmental records and reports and collects statistical data as directed.

14. Instructs other personnel in preparing and conducting activities and programs for individuals and groups of patients in the areas of occupational therapy.

15. Conducts in-service training for hospital staff; orients staff to goals and purposes of occupational therapy; instructs in treatment modalities used; and advises and/or consults with staff regarding patients’ needs in relation to occupational therapy and recreational and supportive activities.

16. The employee participates in staff, agency, and patient-care meetings to coordinate team efforts in treatment approach and goals in the rehabilitation of the patient; communicates occupational therapy observations and evaluations of patients to the interdisciplinary team.

17. Supervises the use, maintenance, and care of tools and equipment used in the Occupational Therapy department.

18. When necessary, drives patients in hospital van.