Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Reviews Physician's referral, patient's condition and medical records to determine occupational therapy treatment required. Obtains history and subjective components of the evaluation
• Test and measures patient's range-of-joint motion, grip/pinch strength, sensation, coordination, functional muscle strength, balance, ADL/IADL status, and cognitive status in the home setting to assist with the evaluation
• Completes an assessment of patient's current status, develops goals and a treatment plan with recommendations
• Plans and implements therapeutic programs and activities designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance task performances, diminish or correct pathology, and to promote and maintain health and self-sufficiency
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities and daily living activities
• Recommends, designs and adapts equipment for the working and living environment
• Modifies splints and other assistive devices as needed
• Assists in instructing patient and family in home programs as well as care and use of adaptive equipment
• Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, mobilization of tissue and joints, heat, water, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot and cold packs
• Confers with members of occupational therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs
• Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit
• Records treatment, response, and progress in patient's electronic medical chart thoroughly and timely
• Instructs patient and family in treatment procedures to be continued at home
• Confers with Physician and other practitioners to obtain additional patient information, suggest revisions in treatment program, and integrate occupational therapy treatment with other aspects of patient's health care
• Assists in the orientation and training of new staff members
• Participates in the PI and CQI process through committees as needed
• Assist with the supervisory visits of HHA if indicated
• Coordinates and provides training for annual HHA competency skills fair

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

Graduate of an accredited program in Occupational Therapy
Home Health experience preferred

Certification and Licensure

License to practice Occupational Therapy in the state of Wisconsin and/or Illinois
Registered by NBCOT or eligible for certification and registration
Oasis certification or other approved therapy certification preferred
Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days of hire

For those driving Mercyhealth vehicles:
Maintain a valid driver's license.
Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.

For those driving their personal vehicles:
Maintain a valid driver's license and reliable transportation with proof of vehicle insurance when requested.
Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy.

Skills and Abilities
N/A
Special Physical Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit, stoop, walk, and stand. The employee is occasionally required to kneel, crouch, crawl, climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and ability to adjust focus.

Level of Supervision

Some independent judgment is required, but alternatives are limited by standard practices or procedures

Supervises

Provides supervision for COTA and HHA within the guidelines of state licensing and regulations.