Occupational Therapist
7 days ago
Mishawaka
Job Description Sisters of the Holy Cross is hiring for a PRN licensed Occupational Therapist. The Vision of Person Directed Living: The Sisters of the Holy Cross provide residential living where the mission and core values of the Congregation and the philosophy of person directed living is fostered. Small communities encourage sisters to express their spiritual, emotional and physical needs without judgement. Sisters are supported in making individual choices about their daily routine and services they wish to receive. Building on the strengths of each individual, diversity and differences are celebrated and through validation, creative and innovative solutions are possible. Qualities/Characteristics: • Understands, embraces, and appreciates the concept of person directed living in building personal relationships with the sisters., • Takes a creative and innovative approach to problem-solving. Is a continuous learner., • Expresses encouragement and optimism. Builds self-esteem in others., • Self-aware – knowledgeable of one’s values, personality, needs, habits, emotions, strengths and weaknesses. Open to feedback. Cares deeply about the people they serve, both sisters and staff. Is personally flexible and adaptable in responding and meeting the needs of the sisters and working in service with other staff. • Treats others as partners, encouraging their input and trusting them to carry out their ministry. Main Function: Leads, guides and directs the delivery of occupational therapy services in the facility in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, standards and established facility policies and procedures to provide appropriate care and services to Sisters. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates and directs the delivery of occupational therapy services as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations; and respective practice act(s) in the state., • Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates, and directs the execution of occupational therapy services in accordance with physician’s orders and American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) in accordance with guidelines issued by the governing body and its respective affiliate state chapter., • Coordinates the achievement and reporting of the facility’s key performance occupational therapy indicators. Establishes an ongoing system to monitor these key indicators., • Evaluates and reports key performance indicator outcomes of the occupational therapy department to the Administrator, Resident Services to determine the need for action such as re-education or revisions related to the facility’s outcomes, regulatory compliance, practice act(s) and/or sister satisfaction., • Develops and implements processes and systems to effectively lead, guide and direct the delivery of occupational therapy services including but not limited to processes for the timely screening, evaluation, treatment, discharge and all associated documentation requirements for Sisters in the facility., • Complies with facility policies and procedures for appropriately documenting for Sisters receiving occupational therapy., • Provides information needed for the Sister’s assessment/evaluation according to facility policy such as functional abilities and goals, functional status, range of motion, balance during transitions and walking, occupational therapy minutes and distinct calendar days, etc. during the defined observation period(s)., • Ensures occupational therapy equipment is stored, used and sanitized, disinfected and/or cleaned properly and safely in the facility., • Participate rehabilitative and interdisciplinary team meetings as needed to discuss Sisters’ therapy progression in relation to discharge planning for Sisters receiving occupational therapy services as designated by the Clinical Coordinator., • Adheres to the state practice guidelines in his/her discipline as defined by the State of Indiana Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Maintains appropriate conduct and follows practice guidelines as defined by the professional association., • Knows how to access the occupational therapy state practice act and the professional association standards., • Develops and maintains positive relationships with Sisters of the Holy Cross and employees, through scheduled, deliberate positive interactions using face to face, phone, or other means of communication., • Evaluates work performance of occupational therapy assistants in the department and maintains accountability in concert with applicable standards of practice, by-laws, and code of conduct for his/her therapy discipline., • Facilitates, serves, attends or participates in various committees of the facility as necessary., • Knows and understands the purpose and requirements for scope of work and supervision requirements as defined by the occupational therapy practice act in each state., • Ensures delivery of compassionate quality care and services across the occupational therapy spectrum as evidenced by adequate, and competent occupational therapy staff, general cleanliness of therapy gyms/offices, optimal Sister functioning and satisfaction with occupational therapy services provided., • Identifies and collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team, physicians, consultants, and community resources to identify opportunities for enhanced services to the Sisters and/or resolve issues., • Knows occupational therapy employees and employees across all departments by name to effectively communicate and meet Sister needs as well as any miscellaneous related needs., • Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication. Promotes positivity and active daily problem solving., • Makes written and oral reports/recommendations to the Clinical Coordinator concerning occupational therapy., • Reads and stays informed regarding regulatory, scope of work and supervision requirements as defined by the occupational therapy practice act, business practices and other changes influencing occupational therapy outcomes., • Promotes safe work practices, safety rules, and accident prevention procedures to prevent Sister/employee injury and illness. ADDITIONAL TASKS • Treats all Sisters with dignity and respect. Promotes and protects all Sisters’ rights., • Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures. Complies with standards of business conduct, and state/federal regulations and guidelines relevant to the practice act(s)., • Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect Sisters and themselves., • Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications., • Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel. Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer., • Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of Sisters to supervisor and/or administrator. Protects Sisters from abuse, and cooperates with all investigations., • Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy., • Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings. Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan., • Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to designated staff member., • Follows established infection control policies and procedures., • As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency. PERSONAL SKILLS AND TRAITS DESIRED/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS • Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language., • Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult Sisters and staff., • Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace., • Must be willing and able to move intermittently throughout the workday., • Meets general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases., • Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary., • Ability to assist in evacuation of Sisters during emergency situations., • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting and perform other common physical movements as needed for the position., • May be subject to falls, burns from equipment, and/or odors throughout the day; encounter reactions from dust, disinfectants, and other air contaminants., • Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases and/or conditions which include AIDS, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis., • Contributes to and exemplifies teamwork., • Makes independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action., • Possesses leadership, supervisory skills and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel., • Successfully follows oral and written instructions., • Successfully relays information concerning Sisters, employees or any given subject matter., • Willing to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position., • Communicates with medical, nursing staff, and all departments., • Accepts call-backs during emergency conditions., • Works in office and throughout the facility., • Willing to work to task completion in spite of frequent interruptions. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education/Licensure A valid, unrestricted license in his/her therapy discipline in the state. Must meet the educational requirements of his/her licensure requirements. Experience A minimum of (1) one to three (3) years experience as occupational therapist in long-term care. Knowledgeable of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to long term care. Responsibility Incumbent must be able to perform, instruct, monitor and oversee the full range of required occupational therapy exercises. Position requires the ability to apply standard medical standards to individual situations. Wrong decisions could result in harm to self or sister. Personal Interaction Work required giving and getting information while maintaining a cooperative and harmonious atmosphere. Equipment Utilization Routinely operates specialized equipment normally found in a occupational therapy environment. Hazards or Fatigue Exposure to hazards and fatigue are present intermittently. Employee may be subject to severe strains, sprains, etc. due to nature of the work. Exposure to infectious waste and body fluids. Planning and Organizing Works primarily on a day-to-day plan. Schedules routine tasks, taking into account anticipated workflow. Rearranges schedule to accommodate emergencies. Arranges and coordinates immediate work in relation to available resources and staff using prescribed work procedures and methods. Scope of Supervision Possesses leadership, supervisory skills and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel in clinical operations.
