Occupational Therapist

Blue Ridge Independence at Home is seeking qualified applicants for part-time, PRN, full-time Occupational Therapist.
Blue Ridge Independence at Home (BRIH) was established to deliver PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) services.
PACE's vision is to provide individualized and joyful care through exemplary teamwork serving the best quality-of-life care to seniors in our community.
This position has an anticipated start date of January 2, 2024.
Hours for this position are Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
As leaders in healthcare, we create a culture where we celebrate and respect inclusivity and diversity.
*OBJECTIVE:* Provides clinical occupational therapy evaluation and treatment for program participants, on acute, restorative or maintenance levels as needed by Day Center or in-home setting.
Integrates the occupational therapy treatment plan into Interdisciplinary Team plan of care.
Assists in the ordering, inventory, distribution and maintenance of durable medical equipment for participants.
*QUALIFICATIONS: *To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
* Must have medical clearance for communicable diseases and up-to-date immunizations before having direct participant contact.
* Must have a valid driver’s license and have means of transportation.
* Must clear the background check.
* *Education:* Graduate of an occupational therapy curriculum.
Be legally authorized, currently licensed, registered or certified if applicable to practice in the state.
Must have an active and up-to-date certification in CPR.
* *Experience:* A minimum of one-year (1) experience in working with the frail or elderly population.
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*SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:* * Working knowledge of the scopes or practices of occupational therapy and speech/language pathology related to geriatrics.
* Knowledge of safety requirements.
* Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with participants, co- workers, medical staff, and the public.
* Skilled in identifying and recommending problem resolution.
* Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
* Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
* Ability to utilize computers and other electronic devices for tasks such as timekeeping, in- servicing and documentation.
* Only acts within the scope of his or her authority to practice.
Must meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established and approved by CMS before working independently.
*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:* * Conducts an in-person initial comprehensive occupational therapy assessment on all participants upon enrollment and coordinates with the Interdisciplinary Team on a Plan of Care for each participant.
* Conducts an in-person re-assessment minimally every six (6) months or as needed.
* Provides evaluation/treatment on acute, restorative and maintenance levels to participants.
* Functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team.
Maintains regular attendance at, and participates in Interdisciplinary Team meetings; communicates participant changes, collaborates on plan of care decisions and coordination for twenty-four (24) hour care delivery.
* Administers treatment program per physician instructions.
Clarifies physician’s treatment instructions.
Confers with Interdisciplinary Team on participants care issues.
* Evaluates participant’s needs.
Follows-up with participants during treatment, explaining precautions to take.
Discusses condition and treatment plans and recommends solutions to participants care problems with Interdisciplinary Team.
* Carries out accepted principles and practices of occupational therapy for prevention of functional decline, sensory and cognitive limitations, increase or maintenance of strength and endurance, and provides treatment to increase self-care skills.
* Constructs or provides orthotic and adaptive equipment as needed.
* Conducts assessment and coordination of home modification program including installation of equipment and other changes to support independence and safety.
* Assists as liaison with nursing home and assisted living staff regarding occupational therapy needs of participants who are their participants.
* Evaluates charts and reports on participant’s progress, documents occupational therapy notes in the participant’s medical record.
Fulfills charting and reporting requirements.
* Assists in recommending occupational therapy policies and procedures concerning services provided.
Maintains quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection controls.
* Directs, supervises, performs initial and annual competencies on, and evaluates the performance of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
* Performs competencies on appropriate direct care staff as needed.
* Ensures that the job responsibilities, authorities, and accountabilities of direct reports are defined and understood.
* Educates participants and family members in proper care and use of various supports and exercise programs and use of durable medical equipment at home.
* Trains family members, other caregivers and staff in methods to maximize safety and functional abilities in performing Activity of Daily Living (ADL) skills.
* Assists with data collection and prepares reports.
Maintains any necessary participant statistics.
* Acts within the scope of his or her authority to practice.
* Maintains department in a clean and orderly manner.
Keeps equipment in good working condition according to manufactures recommendations.
* Follows all policies and procedures, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety guidelines.
* Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of all company procedures, results and information about employees, participants and families.
* Handles potentially infectious specimens with appropriate biohazard precautions, and practices Universal Precautions.
* Participates in continuing education classes and any required staff and training meetings.
Maintains professional affiliations and any required certifications.
* Participates in and supports Quality Improvement Initiatives.
* Performs other duties as required or requested.
*WORK ENVIRONMENT:*The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions: * May be exposed to a risk of bodily injury through contact with moving instrumentation, toxic substances, medicinal preparations, bodily fluids, communicable diseases, and any other conditions common in a healthcare environment.
* Subject to unpleasant odors.
*PHYSICAL DEMANDS: *The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to meet these demands: * *Physical Requirements* – Shall be in good mental and physical health, and capable of performing assigned tasks.
Requires standing, walking, occasional pushing and pulling and lifting.
Requires the ability to lift/carry up to fifty (50) pounds and push or pull objects exceeding one hundred fifty (150) pounds, using appropriate body mechanics.
Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
* *Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements* – Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Must be able to document care provided in participant records.
Must be able to communicate verbally with participants, family, and team.
* *Pressure Factor* – Requires working under stressful conditions.
Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuation indoor temperatures.
Required to meet scheduled appointments while dealing with frail and confused participants.
Subject to participants that may have the potential for verbal or physical aggression as well as difficult family dynamics, including caregivers under stress.
*SAFE WORK PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS: *The safety of employees, residents and visitors is of paramount importance.
Our workplace safety program will be incorporated as the standard of practice for this organization.
Compliance with these safe work expectations will be required of all employees as a condition of employment.
Our organization focus will hold all employees accountable for safety performance equal with quality and production expectations.
*Employees will be expected to:* * Follow correct policy and procedures for department and facility Fire/Disaster/Missing Person Plan.
Know the location of fire alarms and extinguishers.
* Follow correct policy and procedure for hand washing.
* Follow guidelines for proper method of lifting.
* All doorways, hallways and areas are to be kept clear.
* Know the location and purpose of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
* Follow guidelines for department environment and safety measures.
* Follow guidelines for safe handling, inspection, maintenance, and storage of equipment.
Report any malfunction of equipment.
* Follow guidelines for safe handling and storage of chemicals and supplies.
* Follow correct policy and procedure for reporting of incidents: staff, residents, etc.
*JOB FUNCTIONS:* Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position.
However, this job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you may be required to perform.
The omission of specific descriptions of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or can be considered essential to this position.
_Blue Ridge Independence at Home offers an equal opportunity for employment or advancement to all qualified applicants or employees.
Persons with authority to hire, discharge, transfer or promote personnel make these decisions without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability.
_ Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, PRN Pay: $38.
00 - $44.
00 per hour Benefits: * 401(k) matching * Flexible schedule Medical specialties: * Geriatrics Role characteristics: * Older adults Schedule: * Day shift * Monday to Friday Work setting: * In-person Work Location: In person