Occupational Therapist I - Temporary

Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority•Cherokee, NC

About The Position

Serves as an Occupational Therapist providing quality therapy for the treatment or prevention of physical disability or disease with special equipment and therapeutic use of activities of daily living. As an Occupational Therapist, incumbent participates in all aspects of the department including program planning, delivery of patient care, performance improvement and other duties as needed.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited occupational therapy program or a certificate of graduation from an equivalent program of occupational therapy from an accredited college or university.
Current North Carolina state Occupational Therapist license or a state that is accepted as a reciprocity.
Entry level Bachelor’s Degree with 9 years of experience, or
Entry level Master’s Degree with 3-5 years of experience is preferred, or
Entry level Doctorate with 3 years of experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Practices the profession of Occupational Therapy as a licensed Occupational Therapist, requiring knowledge and application of concepts, principles and practice of evaluation, treatment and prevention of physical disability or disease.
Responsible for a high degree of professional competence, skill and judgement in assessment, planning and carrying out the full range of treatment interventions, patient and family education and discharge planning for a variety of inpatient and outpatient conditions and situations. Treatment objectives are complex and procedures involve application of highly specialized skills and knowledge.
May be required to carry a wound care caseload, requiring advanced knowledge in evaluation and treatment procedures based on wound etiology and best practices, requiring knowledge of advanced wound care products, and working in conjunction with department WOCNs. Will agree to be trained in this area if not proficient in required skills.
Develops and coordinates team approach for complex clinical problems. Performs case management as needed by interfacing with Primary Care team or other referral sources.
May function as a Clinical Instructor for educational programs, which include the training of Occupational Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistant interns from affiliated university and community college programs.
Provides in-service programs for PTs, OTs, Wound Care staff, medical staff, nursing staff, other agencies and the community.
Maintains NC licensure standards and participates in Continuing Education which may be directed by departmental needs. Shares CE knowledge with fellow clinicians. Uses evidence-based knowledge to drive clinical decision making, evaluation and treatments.
Has or is developing a concentration in a specialty area of Occupational Therapy including but not limited to Certified Hand Therapist.
Participates in monitoring quality of patient care rendered by the department, quality improvement programs and health promotion activities pertinent to Occupational Therapy, including CIHA hospital accreditation processes.
May be required to participate in managing and/or planning activities for the department by assuming responsibility for completion of monthly statistics and forwarding them to the Rehabilitation Department Manager for review and report to Operations Executive Director, or be required to assume responsibility for managing the department in absence of the Manager or Supervising Therapist.
Provides consultation to the medical and clinical staff on matters pertaining to occupational therapy and/or patient progress.
Communication consistently reflects professionalism, persuasiveness and is based on best evidence.
Represents Occupational Therapy regarding general program planning for patient care services with multi-disciplinary care teams or at rounds.
Participates in clinical research efforts and specialty clinics as needed.
Develops and maintains clinical processes and procedures under direction of the Department Manager in accordance with all applicable accrediting organizations and participates in applicable accreditation inspections.
Maintains clinical processes and procedures, including accurate documentation of occupational therapy visits that facilitate reimbursement and meet compliance standards.
Uses safe work practices that include following established policies and procedures for safety and infection control, following universal blood/body fluid precautions and reporting accidents/incidents promptly.
Organizes and prioritizes work efficiently to maintain a high level of productivity without sacrificing quality.
May be necessary to work when Administrative Leave is granted if patient care would be compromised.
May be required to provide Occupational Therapy evaluation and/or treatment at Tsali Care Center (Skilled Nursing Facility)
May be required to provide Occupational Therapy evaluation and or treatment at CIHA’s satellite clinics (Snowbird Clinic, Cherokee County Clinic)