Occupational Therapist (Part Time)

Description The occupational Therapist is a member of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service staff assigned to Home Based Primary Care. The incumbent is responsible for providing in-home evaluations as well as planning and administration/management of rehabilitation services in the home for patients enrolled in Home Based Primary Care (HBPC) at the James H. Quillen VAMC, Mountain Home TN. The Occupational Therapist will be charged with conducting assessments for appropriate in home equipment and providing appropriate training for patients, families and care providers. The OT will provide these in-home services to patients with a wide variety of multiple, complex illnesses and/or profound disabilities. The Occupational Therapist assigned to HBPC will hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school of occupational therapy and maintain a valid state license in good standing. The OT may also provide training for OT students as part of a structured affiliation agreement. Although not inclusive, the OT performs the following major duties:

* Interviews patients and caregivers to gather information for ongoing patient assessment.

* Assess the goals, living skills, physical abilities, and related needs for each patient referred for in home assessment.

* Develop a treatment plan directed toward achieving maximum level of functioning within the home, consulting with other PM&RS disciplines as indicated, and developing the plan in collaboration with the patient and caregiver.

* Implement the treatment plan by: providing direct patient care; working with Prosthetic Service to provide appropriate equipment/adaptive devices; instructing and training the veteran and caregiver concerning exercises, activities of daily living, rehab techniques. The OT may also recommend community referrals.

* Performs ongoing assessment of patient's physical and functional status revising treatment plan and goals as clinically indicated.

* Determines patients ongoing need for services

* Identifies when patient's maximum level of function has been attained and when rehabilitation services will be terminated.

* Evaluate the home for structural or positional changes in order to promote the patient's safety and independence. Changes may include installation of ramps, bars, widening of door frames, remodeling bathrooms and kitchens for wheel chair accessibility, changes in furniture heights etc.

* Coordinates intervention plan with other members of the treatment team

* Serves as content expert in recommending complex and specialized medical equipment.

* Participates in professional and community activities

* Participates in HBPC Performance Improvement Program, including completing assessment and documentation required by performance measures applicable to OT's role.

* Serves as consultant to other health professionals in the evaluation of patients with multiple and complex problems in the home, for which highly specialized knowledge and skills are required.

* Coordinate with HBPC physician for submitting prosthetic consult for Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) funding.

* Develop and coordinate educational materials in the home for the caregiver of the veteran as indicated

* Attend or complete all VA required educational programs within specified time frames.

* Participate in policy and procedure development for home care services.

* Apply new material learned towards the revision of procedures to reflect current methodology.

Requirements Applications will be accepted from United States citizens. Temporary position not to exceed 1 year Part-time NTE 20 hours per week Part-time 20 hours per week Temporary Appointment Not to Exceed One Year (Position Funding Available through 09-30-2010)