Shift: Full time, Days, Rotating weekends, 40 hrs/week

Reporting to the Rehab Services Manager or Rehabilitation Supervisor with accountability to the Director and Team, performs evaluations, treatment planning, goal setting and administration of Occupational Therapy treatment programs designed to improve and maximize patient mobility and independent functioning within their physical limitations.


1. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, treat, and care for patients in assigned area. Implements assessment/treatment/care based on the developmental stages of the patient. Interprets verbal and nonverbal communication of the patient.

2. Evaluates patient’s functional abilities/disabilities utilizing techniques appropriate to the patient type including assessment of upper extremity strength, range of motion, pain, sensation, coordination, performance of activities of daily living, transfers, cognitive, perceptual, visual, home management skills and splint fabrication.

3. In accordance with patient evaluations, establishes treatment plan which specifies treatment goals and treatment modalities that will assist the patient to regain function, increase strength and decrease pain.

4. Administers and instructs patients in performance of all aspects of the treatment plan, assessing the effectiveness and modifying as necessary.

5. Prepares and completes all patient records, billing and documentation according to departmental guidelines.

6. Communicates and works in cooperation with physicians, nursing and other hospital staff to provide optimal patient care.
7. Involves the patient, family and caregivers in the plan of care, including post-discharge planning. Conducts patient/family education sessions and provides written home programs considering the developmental needs of the patient.

8. May assist with supervision of paraprofessional staff, students and volunteers as directed; delegates tasks and monitors performance of tasks to ensure they are completed correctly.

9. Utilizes correct body mechanics. Adheres to hospital and departmental safety precautions and infection control procedures in order to maintain a safe patient care and working environment. Attends all mandatory inservices.

10. Assists with planning and conducting inservice programs and participates in staff meetings, rehab conferences and educational programs.

11. Assumes responsibility, as assigned, for overall departmental functioning in absence of supervisor.

12. Assumes responsibility for own professional growth, keeps abreast of developments in the field of Occupational Therapy and incorporates approved developments in treatment and evaluation plans.

13. Participates in departmental Quality Assurance Program and special assignments as requested.

14. Adheres to all Northwest Community Hospital standards, policies and procedures.

1. The completion of a degree in Occupational Therapy from an AOTA accredited school, or the equivalent.

2. Current Illinois licensure or eligibility.

3. Certification by National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy ( NBCOT).

4. CPR certification from American Heart Association.

5. The interpersonal skills necessary to interact with patients, their families, physicians and other hospital personnel, and to direct the work of paraprofessional/supportive staff and students.

6. The communication skills necessary to document patient progress and to assist in conducting inservices.

7. The analytical skills required to evaluate patient progress and response to treatment and to adjust plan of care.

8. The organizational skills necessary to administer multiple therapeutic programs simultaneously.

9. The ability to effectively and accurately operate all department equipment related to occupational therapy treatments.

10. The ability to utilize a personal computer as deemed necessary to perform job duties.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Considerable physical effort. Requires continuously lifting or moving average weight material, frequent moving or lifting heavy weight material, and occasionally lifting or moving heavy material in difficult work positions.

2. Flow of work and character of duties involves concentrated mental and visual attention along with manual coordination.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Conditions are acceptable. There is some risk in exposure to toxic substances and infectious diseases.