Occupational Therapist

Overview

Coordinates and oversees a designated group of patients being treated by assigned Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) and any related clinical supervisors of such COTAs and provides appropriate therapy evaluations, treatments and modalities in accordance with established VNS Health policies and procedures. Also provides a comprehensive assessment, development and implementation of a plan of care for all patients. Works under general supervision.

• Establishes patient plan of care (POC) including treatment interventions, appropriate treatment outcomes and frequency and duration of treatment in collaboration with the physician. Coordinates patient POC with other health care team members, patient and family / caregiver for optimal patient benefit.
• Assesses, evaluates and identifies patient rehabilitation needs and potential using accepted practice standards.
• Assesses / makes determination for direct occupational therapy services to be provided by a COTA in accordance with VNS Health protocol. Supervises assigned COTAs, making co-visits and overseeing their schedules, caseloads, clinical skills and patient care delivery to ensure compliance with state, federal, and VNS Health policy.
• Establishes a discharge plan as part of the patient care continuum.
• Provides care in accordance with established patient POC, including patient and family / caregiver teaching.
• Evaluates and determines the need for equipment orders and instructs in use of equipment as is appropriate for patient function and safety. Follows-up and resolves equipment problems.
• Assesses patient status and effectiveness of treatment interventions administered; modifies goals and patient plan of care as appropriate.
• Identifies any changes in clinical and psychosocial status of patient and reports findings to appropriate members of the health care team to ensure quality care of VNS Health patients.
• Travels to patients’ homes and / or other facilities with varying environments (e.g., elevated buildings, walk-ups, care facilities, single / multiple family homes, presence of pets, etc.) using approved transportation options to deliver direct care to the patient.
• Transports and utilizes required technology devices (tablet), infection control materials and supplies using VNS Health designated or supplied carrying case (backpack) weighing approximately 15 – 20 lbs to and from patient homes or care facilities, VNS Health offices and therapists’ home within the timeframe established by VNSNY protocol.
• Assists patients with therapeutic interventions and activities of daily living, which may require positioning, moving, transferring and lifting patients of varying body sizes and physical conditions, with and without assistance and as appropriate, instructing, demonstrating and verifying capabilities of family members and / or paraprofessionals. Ability to use and assist patient with use durable medical equipment as a component of the plan of care, including but not limited to wheelchairs, patient transfer lifts, ambulatory devices, slings, splints, orthoses, prostheses, and exercise or strengthening equipment.
• Provides care in accordance with Agency policies, practices, procedures and standards, including professional practice standards of care, which may require standing, stooping, sitting, crouching, twisting, reaching, bending and stretching to deliver patient care.
• Refers assigned patients to other services, as appropriate in accordance with VNS Health policy.
• Documents all evaluation findings, treatments and patient responses, and communications regarding patient care.
• Inputs appropriate information into Agency systems (i.e., pen-based, cyber, etc.,) to ensure coordinated documentation and patient care.
• Participates in Rehabilitation Department and Agency meetings, in services programs, QA review and interdisciplinary team meetings as requested. Participates in performance improvement via participation in co-visits and conferences with rehabilitation department supervisors, as needed. Collaborate in assigned service delivery team events, as needed.
• Contributes to cost-effectiveness of services and program of the Agency by maintaining knowledge of third-party payer regulations, and adhering to them.
• Keeps abreast of the field of occupational therapy, assumes responsibility for professional growth and maintains high level of clinical knowledge and skills. Supports the philosophy, mission vision and values of the Agency through attitude work ethic and behavior.
• Performs all duties inherent in a supervisory role. Ensures effective staff training, interviews candidates for employment, evaluates staff performance and recommends hiring, promotions, salary actions, and terminations, as appropriate.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications :

License and current registration to practice as an Occupational Therapist in New York State Required

Education :

Bachelor's Degree or Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from a program approved by the NY State Department of Education required, OR, Graduate Certificate in Occupational Therapy from a college or university whose program is registered by the State Education Department or accredited by a national accreditation Agency Required

Work Experience :

Minimum of two years experience as an Occupational Therapist Required Minimum of one year supervisory experience year supervising COTA’s Preferred

Compensation

85,000.00 - $106,300.00 Annual

About Us

VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 130 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us—we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their family and community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24 / 7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 “neighbors” who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of the communities and people we serve in New York and beyond.