Occupational Therapist Home Health

St. Luke's University Health Network; Bethlehem (Northampton County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Luke’s University Health Network seeks an Occupational Therapist for home health services, delivering therapy at patients’ residences in a collaborative interdisciplinary team. You’ll evaluate, plan treatment, and guide activities to restore function and independence.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Occupational Therapy, state OT license, and CPR certification; a Master’s degree is preferred. Travel between patient homes is required and documentation must reflect progress and goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy required.
• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Occupational Therapist License in the state where the job location is set.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial evaluation to identify functional deficits and establish treatment goals.
• Instruct patients in daily living activities and home-use equipment.
• Plan home-based OT programs to maximize function and independence.
• Document patient progress and coordinate with Rehab Program Manager and staff.
• Assist with discharge planning and family education.
• Maintain safe transportation to patient locations and comply with driving requirements.

Skills

Home health care

Patient care

CPR certification

Documentation

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

Master’s Degree preferred

OT License

Job description

St. Luke’s is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke’s are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay for health care.

The Occupational Therapist Home Health works collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure delivery of high quality occupational therapy services in accordance with the physician’s orders and with the agency’s programs and policies. Services are provided in the patient’s place of residence.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs initial evaluation to identify functional deficits. Establishes Plan of Treatment in consultation with the physician including short and long-term goals.
• Guides the patient in their use of therapeutic, creative, and/or self-care activities for the purpose of improving or restoring function and putting function to practical use.
• Plans program for patient utilizing physical or mental activities, crafts, avocations, exercises, and daily self-care activities, to reach maximal level of function.
• Instructs in the use of equipment that will help improve function in the home.
• Observes, records and reports patient’s response to treatment and any changes in patient’s condition to physician.
• Communicates with the Rehab Program Manager, Patient Care Manager, Clinical Coordinator and appropriate staff in order to plan total patient and family care. Confers with other disciplines as appropriate in planning rehabilitation for the patient.
• Records reflect the family oriented approach. Documentation is timely, accurate, legible and in compliance with the agency policy and directives. Records make clear the goals and plans made with the patient and/or family.
• Evaluates and documents the effectiveness and outcomes of care on an ongoing basis and makes revisions as needed.
• Plans for discharge as appropriate.
• Instructs other health team personnel, when appropriate, in certain areas of occupational therapy including activities of daily living, in which they may work with the patients. This includes the patient and family members.
• Uses own transportation to provide care at patient’s residence: Must have and maintain valid PA or NJ Driver’s License; Must have and maintain a good driving record accepted by the Network insurance carrier; Must have and maintain motor vehicle insurance with the minimum requirements established by PA or NJ; Must obey and adhere to all motor vehicle regulations and laws while operating vehicle; Must perform routine maintenance on vehicle.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to sit for up to ninety minutes at a time. Be able to tolerate standing for thirty to forty-five minutes consecutively. Must be able to use hands/fingers to manipulate dials on machines. Must have the ability to lift/move patients up to 300 lbs., push/pull patients weighing up to 300 lbs. Must have the ability to frequently stoop/bend, squat, crouch, kneel and reach above shoulder level. Must be capable of tactile sensation as it relates to feeling for muscle spasms, texture and skin temperature. Must have the ability to hear as it relates to normal conversation. Must be capable of seeing as it relates to general vision, depth perception, and peripheral vision.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy required. Master’s Degree preferred.

Occupational Therapist License in the state as determined by the job location.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Preferably one or two years experience under a qualified registered Occupational Therapy supervisor. CPR certification required.

St. Luke’s University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.