Home Health Occupational Therapist Rio Grande Valley Area

Optum; Hidalgo (TX); On-site; USD 73,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

WellMed, part of the Optum family, is seeking an Occupational Therapist to deliver designated therapy services per physician plans of care in a home-care setting. The role includes supervising a COTA, coordinating with a multidisciplinary team, and documenting progress and outcomes.

Requirements include an ACOTE-accredited OT program, NBCOT registration, Texas OT license, CPR, and 2+ years of experience, with strong communication and EMR proficiency. A Texas driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an OT curriculum accredited by ACOTE.
• Registered with NBCOT.
• Active Texas OT license to practice.
• Current CPR certification.
• 2+ years of OT experience.
• Knowledge of OT standards of care and regulations.
• Proficient with EMR systems and documentation.
• Ability to prioritize and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Valid Texas driver’s license and auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Provide OT services per Plan of Care and assess functional status.
• Initiate OT program and educate patients, families, and staff.
• Prepare and submit clinical and progress summaries.
• Participate in discharge planning for patients.
• Supervise COTA and oversee care coordination.
• Re-evaluate patients at least every 30 days.
• Maintain a productivity standard of 25–30 patient contacts per week.
• Maintain communications with the care team and ensure proper documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

EMR experience

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Problem solving

Education

ACOTE-accredited OT program

Texas OT license

Tools

EMR system

Microsoft Word/Outlook

Job description

Explore opportunities with WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses. We believe all patients are entitled to the highest level of medical care. Here, you will be part of a team who shares your passion for helping people achieve improved health outcomes. Explore rewarding opportunities for physicians, clinical staff and non-patient-facing roles. Join us and discover the meaning behind Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Registered Occupational Therapist contracted or employed through the Organization is responsible for implementation of standards of care for occupational therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Personnel Services Agreement. The OT plans and administers medically prescribed occupational therapy for patients suffering from injuries or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and to prevent disability. The OT ensures quality and safe delivery of care in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide occupational therapy services to patient according to a written physician's Plan of Care. This may include, but will not be limited to: a. Assessing and evaluating therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status, participation in the development of the total plan of care and evaluates home environment. b. Assesses for muscle strength, mobility, activities of daily living, and range of motion - potential for rehab. c. Directing occupational therapy treatment. d. Instructing patients and/or families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances. e. Determining priority needs for occupational therapy. f. Reports to physician patient's reaction to treatment or changes in condition
• Initiates occupational therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family caregiver members in certain phases of occupational therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the occupational therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences
• Prepares and submits clinical and progress summaries based on the attainment of goals
• Participates in discharge planning for patient
• Provide in-service education related to Occupational Therapy to Agency personnel as needed. 6. Participates in peer consultation process
• Supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) according to Agency policy and state regulations every 30 days. Responsible for the overall performance, coordination and evaluation of the COTA work
• Re-evaluates patients, at a minimum, every 30 days
• Maintains a productivity standard of 25-30 patient contacts per week
• Maintains contact/communication with other personnel involved in the patient's care to promote coordinated, efficient care
• Maintain clinical competency in occupational therapy practice and theory including maintaining required continuing education as specified by state licensing board
• Performs care management duties on patient whose primary skilled service is occupational therapy to include: notifying the physician of changes in the patient's condition or progress toward goals, attending and documenting case conferences, initiating coordination of care by reporting significant findings to others on the healthcare team, and planning for, notification of and documenting the discharge of the patient
• Adheres to the Agency’s Standard Operating Procedures as it relates to the submission of documentation
• Evaluates, fits, adjusts and trains patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses and supportive devices such as adaptive equipment, durable medical equipment, splints, etc. to improve function
• Advises and consults with patients and caregivers
• Recognizes and reports life threatening situations and responds appropriately
• Exhibits professionalism and is courteous with all patients, physicians and co-workers. 18. Demonstrates knowledge and observance of the Patient's Bill of Rights and Notice of Privacy Practices
• Follows all infection control standard precautions and safety guidelines/standards as per agency policy
• Participates in educational programs and all required in-service programs to maintain comprehensive home care knowledge base, as assigned by supervisor
• Complies with all Homecare Dimensions, Inc. Agency's policies and procedures. Promotes and maintains an agency environment that is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Participates in the agency's endeavors for accreditation, licensing and professional recognition according to state, federal and/or CHAP's requirements. Participates in the Performance Improvement Program activities of the Agency's and periodic review of clinical records, as assigned

Communication

• Communicates with the physician regarding patient needs and reports any changes in patient condition; obtains/receives physician's orders as required
• Communicates with community health related personnel to coordinate the Plan of Care. 3. Coordinates services and schedules with the Clinical Team Manager (CTM) and Clinical Team Coordinator (CTC/Scheduler) to include recommendations for additional home health care services for patients within 1 business day of identifying need
• Documents all communications with the patient, family, physician, other disciplines, and appropriate others as indicated on communication notes Additional Duties
• Participates in on-call duties within the on-call rotation schedule, to include weekends as assigned
• Ensures arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available
• Maintains a daily patient case load and point of care documentation levels as per Agency standards
• Demonstrates personal responsibility with regard to attendance and punctuality
• Maintains privacy and confidentiality with regard to all patient, staff and Agency information
• Demonstrates flexibility, enthusiasm and willingness to cooperate while working with others or in place of others, as necessary
• Expresses verbal and written communication in a clear, positive and collaborative manner. 8. Ensures that time off is entered in the timecard timely
• Promotes the Agency's image by adhering to the Agency Dress Code
• At a minimum, performs quarterly chart audits discipline specific
• Assist with QA process, including chart reviews and participation on QAPI team, as requested by director of therapy services
• Ensures appropriate visit utilization
• Performs all other related duties as assigned

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate of an Occupational Therapy curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
• Registered with the National Registration Examination of the American Occupational Therapy Association
• Active unrestricted State of Texas license to practice as an Occupational Therapist
• Current CPR certification
• 2+ years of appropriate experience as a Occupational Therapist
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of current Occupational Therapy professional standards of care, and state and federal regulations
• Demonstrated excellent observation, verbal and written communication and organization skills
• Ability to define problem, collect data, establish facts, interpret an extensive variety of technical, medical, regulatory instruction and deal with numerous issues to draw a valid conclusion
• Proven basic computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Outlook and Other email systems
• Ability to prioritize and communicate objectives clearly
• Experience working with an EMR application
• Ability to interact productively with individuals and with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to comply with accepted professional standards and practices
• Valid Texas driver's license and maintain personal auto insurance coverage
• This position requires Tuberculosis screening as well as proof of immunity to Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis through lab confirmation of immunity, documented evidence of vaccination, or a doctor's diagnosis of disease

Preferred Qualifications:

• Community/home health experience

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $72,800 - $130,000 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.