Job Summary: Occupational therapy services are provided in response to a physician’s referral, in accordance with the laws governing the state of New Mexico, and within the scope of the therapist’s training, knowledge, and experience. Occupational therapists devise and implement therapeutic, vocational and rehabilitative treatments for people who suffer from physical disabilities, mental health problems and learning difficulties. The primary objective of this form of treatment is to help patients lead normal lives and carry out daily activities. Occupational therapy is an important form of treatment for people of all age groups, and can be used to alleviate the incapacitating effects of congenital disabilities and disorders caused by accidents, trauma, abuse, ageing or disease. Occupational therapists conduct a complete and comprehensive study of patients’ disabilities and their life and work habits. They then design and develop rehabilitation plans, which are likely to involve re-learning basic life skills and making adjustments to patients’ homes and working environments. Occupational therapists oftentimes work with patients’ family members and friends, providing them with advice and helpful tips on how they can help to make patients’ lives more comfortable and fulfilling. Occupational therapists are responsible for periodically reviewing treatment programs, assessing the progress of patients, and making appropriate additions or amendments where necessary. The occupational therapist may be asked to oversee OTA’s. The therapists will consult and coordinate with interdisciplinary team to provide comprehensive treatment. The employee will participate in educational programs, quality improvement, and program development. Non-patient responsibilities are to be completed as assigned. Therapist will pursue continued education opportunities and educational goals in addition to assisting with the marketing of occupational therapy services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Providing skilled evaluation and treatment of functional mobility, motor function, muscular strengthening, sensation, balance, social, and environmental needs.
• Creating an appropriate plan of care that includes measurable functional goals while considering patient’s psychosocial, cultural, and spiritual needs.
• Providing clear documentation that meets AOTA and other regulatory guidelines and billing for appropriate charges in a timely manner.
• Perform family/caregiver/patient education to increase independence upon discharge.
• Developing an appropriate discharge plan that includes discharge location, level of assistance, assistive device needs, as well as recommending community resources that may be available.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• As assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILL/ABILITIES:

• Basic computer.
• Ability to efficiently schedule and perform patient care independently.

AGE-RELATED COMPETENCIES: Demonstrates the basic knowledge and skills necessary to identify age-specific patient needs appropriate for this position.

Information Management: Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security.

Risk Management/Quality Management/Safety: Cooperates fully in all Risk Management, Quality Management, and Safety Activities and Investigations.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: Graduate of accredited Master’s level program in Occupational Therapy preferred or be graduated from an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or predecessor organizations.
• Work Experience: Greater than one year of experience preferred, but new graduates welcomed to apply
• License/Certification: Must have current licensure with the New Mexico State Occupational Therapy Board. BLS required before employment begins.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Work environment consists of daily patient contact, which may include exposure to blood, or other body fluids.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to transfer an average adult patient at a weight of 150 pounds.