The Occupational Therapist provides evaluation and treatment of hospital inpatients and outpatients in a range of specialty programs. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with patient, physicians, families, community and business contracts. 

Effectively applies clinical and academic knowledge into treatment and departmental programs. 

Demonstrates efficient, appropriate documentation skills as set by department policies and procedures. 

Demonstrates mature approach to professional employment status. 

Promotes a positive work environment by demonstrating teamwork. 

Practices effective communication in all interactions (patient, visitor, co-worker, etc,) 

Adheres to departmental policies and procedures. 

Participates to continuing education programs and department meetings. 

Demonstrates professional/ethical behavior. Adheres to professional code of ethics in the performance of duties in accordance to the AOTA. 

Participates appropriately in the supervisory relationship. 

Provides instruction for home care and treatment. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

Education 

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from accredited university and licensure in the State of Michigan. Certification with the NBCOT preferred. 

Licensure: State of Michigan Licensure in good standing.

Job Knowledge 

• Must be able to apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and mechanical functioning of the body to specialized techniques in the treatment of patients.  

• Must know how to position patients with various diseases in good functional positions so that injury or deformity is prevented.  

• Must understand and have ability to teach techniques and their application to different diagnoses. 

• Must have working knowledge of various ADL techniques and their application to different diagnoses.  

• Must have basic knowledge of various disease processes and their effect on the human body in relation to physical disabilities.  

• Must be able to evaluate individual patient’s performance capacities and deficits. 

• Must be able to plan and execute therapeutic program appropriate to defined goals. 

• Must have knowledge in receiving referral from doctor and following mandates.  

• Must have knowledge in obtaining all pertinent prognoses and contra-indicators from patient’s chart, medical records staff.  

• Must have knowledge in setting goals and developing treatment programs according to defined goals.  

• Must be able to adapt treatment when revision is indicated by change in patient’s status. 

• Must be able to note and record patient’s progress and making reports accessible to medical staff and other team members. 

• Must have knowledge in preparing patients for discharge by providing home program. 

• Must have knowledge in scheduling treatment times in conjunction with patient’s schedule of other services. 

• Must be able to maintain equipment, perform minor repairs, and report major repairs. 

• Must be willing to read books, articles, and attend educational conferences to improve existing OT programs, and to benefit knowledge as a therapist. 

• Must maintain active membership in professional organizations. 

• Must have knowledge in making recommendations to coordinate a total of , consistent program that meets the needs of individual patients. 

• Must be able to make written evaluation reports, periodic progress, and discharge notes and participates in oral reporting at team meetings. 

• Designs, fabricates, and fits adaptive equipment such as:  slings, splints, wheelchairs, utensil holders, etc. for patients. 

• Must be able to direct activities and/or supervise SOTR and COTA students, assistants, volunteers. 

• Must be able to participate in educational training programs of nursing students, volunteers, etc. 

• Must be able to establish home programs when necessary; demonstrates and instructs patients and family in its execution. 

• Must be able to keep accurate and orderly permanent records on patient treatment. 

• Must have knowledge in requisition of supplies and equipment. 

• Computer knowledge necessary for effective utilization of hospital systems. 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS 

Physical Demands: 

• Physically capable of performing the duties of an occupational therapist including walking, standing, sitting or bending, as required to accomplish the principal duties in a safe, reliable manner.  

• Lifting, carrying light to moderately heavy occupational therapy equipment. 

• Visual acuity required administering evaluations and providing treatment to patients. 

• Hand dexterity and skills to handle various tools and equipment. 

• Ability to lift/support patient of all weights.  

Special Demands: 

• Willingness to work with a variety of physically disabled or mentally challenged individuals.  

• Characteristics of warmth, tact, understanding, friendliness, in established productive, therapeutic relationship with patients.  

• Creativity and adaptability in establishing and carrying out treatment programs.  

• Skills of good observation in order to evaluate patient performance for through evaluation.  

• Mental and emotional stability.