Occupational Therapist

• Coordinates and manages the Occupational Therapy Services for HeartShare Wellness
• Serves as a resource in the field of occupational therapy and provides integration of occupational therapy principles into the programs
• Demonstrates knowledge of occupational therapy services, especially in regard to ADL training: design, fabrication and application of splints, and in selection and use of adaptive equipment including wheelchairs
• Assists in revising and updating the policies and procedures as outlines in the DT&C policy and procedure manual
• Attends and participants in in-services and departmental meetings. Attends courses, workshops, teleconferences, seminars and provide in-service education
• Collaborates and participates with the Interdisciplinary Team members in coordinating a plan of care that best meets the needs of the patient to reach or maintain their highest practicable level of well-being
• Evaluates all patients referred by the physician in writing
• Obtains complete information about the patient’s medical history, education, work history, vocational interest, family and cultural background through patient interviews and discussions with the family
• Determines the patient’s occupational therapy rehabilitative needs; restorative, maintenance or none
• Maintains patient records and related information in an organized, accessible manner
• Assists in the orientation and skill development of new staff members. Focuses on behavioral objectives of treatment, assignments, physical layout of the area and the facility’s policies and procedures
• Evaluates the patient’s performance capabilities, abilities and deficits in ADL (self-care skills); motor skills; and sensory integration. Addresses deficits in cognition, psychological and social skills
• Records initial patient evaluations and writes progress and discharge notes according to the standards as outlined in the facility’s policy and procedures manual
• Assesses the needs of each patient and formulates appropriate short- and long-term goals, along with methods to achieve the goals. Discuss the goals with family members, the patient and the Interdisciplinary Team
• Selects appropriate treatment techniques and equipment to meet the needs of the patient, considering information form evaluations, medical records, patient observations and interviews
• Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team to determine the most appropriate therapy program consistent with the needs and capabilities of each patient.
• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with the patient through the use of appropriate psychosocial techniques and reinforces; collaborates with the patient in establishing goals; provides patient and families with support and encouragement to increase motivation and assist them in their adjustment to physical, mental, and social limitations
• Reassesses treatment plans, modifying, adapting and upgrading plans within the patient’s capabilities in order to achieve the highest level of functioning; uses a variety of possible strategies for achieving treatment goals
• Adapts the program to the needs of the patient so that tasks (such as increasing physical demands to increase physical tolerance) are interfaced with the abilities of the patient
• Plans a performance improvement for Occupational Therapy services and reports to the Performance Improvement Committee on a quarterly basis
• Recommends discontinuation of occupational services when the patient has achieved the maximum benefit from the services
• Uses specifically designed crafts, instructional programs, games, exercises and handling techniques to improve the patient’s functional performance
• Designs and fabricates selected orthotic and prosthetic devices and adaptive equipment
• Applies and instructs in the use of selected orthotic and prosthetic devices and adaptive equipment
• Maintains and cares for equipment and orders supplies as needed
• Supervises support personnel and students
• Evaluates and manages the use of wheelchairs and positioning aids. Operates fluid therapy, paraffin, application of hot and cold modalities with follow-up with a functional activity in accordance with established policies and procedures
• Demonstrate competency in the following methods: adaptive equipment and techniques; passive, active or resistive activities and exercises; counseling techniques; facilitation/inhibition techniques; join protection and work simplification techniques; orthotic and prosthetic devices; ADL and home management; and evaluation and retaining 
• Demonstrate awareness of the needs of the geriatric/aging population
• Formally meets with the Medical Director on a regular basis to discuss the function and performance of Occupational Therapy services
• Assumes additional responsibilities as delegated by the Medical Director
• Remains sensitive and ensure staff responsiveness to cultural differences in HeartShare Wellness service population
• Undertake any task and initiative as assigned by the Supervisor/Clinic Director     

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Qualifications:

Minimum Education:  Master's degree or equivalent

Preferred Education:  Master's degree or equivalent

License/Certification Needed?  License     If so, please specify: New York State Occupational Therapist License.

Requirements: 

• Completion of a professional degree program
• Knowledge of OPWDD rules and regulations
• Licensed and currently registered in New York State as a n Occupational Therapist

BCLS Certification Preferred

Benefits

What we offer once YOU join our growing family:

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:

• Paid time off (holidays, vacation in accordance with school calendar, sick and personal)
• Professional development opportunities
• Team environment
• Medical and dental benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Optional insurance (life, disability, etc.)
• 403(B) retirement plans
• Flexible spending account (dependent care, medical, parking, and transit)
• Employee assistance program

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.

About HeartShare

Who WE ARE:

For over one hundred years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.

To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook

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