Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with ADA requirements, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Work Environment:

Employee must be able to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team model, interfacing and collaborating with a wide range of clinical and social services disciplines who work together to manage the PACE participants’ care. The work setting is in an Adult Day Health Center and primary care clinic environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperatures.

Physical Requirements:

Requires manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination; the ability to use department equipment; and the ability to lift/carry up to 30 pounds using appropriate body mechanics with reasonable accommodation if needed.

Visual, Hearing and Communication Requirements:

Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range, with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to communicate by way of the telephone with participants, customers, vendors and staff.

Pressure Factor:

Requires working under stressful conditions. Working conditions may be noisy and crowded and fluctuating indoor temperatures. Moderate pressure to meet scheduled deadlines. Potential for exposure to verbal aggression by client, vendors, and staff.

Environmental Conditions:

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.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct an in person initial comprehensive occupational therapy assessment on all PACE participants upon enrollment and periodically as required by CMS PACE regulation’s and [ AHHC ] protocols.
• Recommend a treatment plan to and coordinate with the interdisciplinary team in development of the plan of care for each participant
• Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary team, maintaining regular attendance at all the interdisciplinary team meetings. Communicate participant changes, collaborate on care planning decisions and coordination of 24 hour care.  Actively participates in the Intake and Assessment care plan meetings.
• Evaluate participants’ needs. Follow up with participants during treatment.
• Discuss condition and treatment plans and recommend solutions to participant care problems with the interdisciplinary team.
• Plan individual and group activities and implement treatment according to plan.
• Assemble appropriate equipment and data to structure an environment that will enhance participants’ responses to treatment.
• Assess the home environment for safety and need for equipment and adaptations. Oversee the implementation and coordination of a home modification program, including installation of equipment and other changes to support independence and safety.
• Re-evaluate participant’s level of function to objectively determine participant’s response to treatment. Alter treatment plan and activities accordingly.
• Educate and instruct participants and family members in proper care and use of various supports and exercise programs and in use of durable medical equipment in the home.
• Document progress notes for each day of treatment including notations of the participant’s status regardless of whether significant changes have occurred. Document participant/family education.
• Review, approve, and countersign progress notes written by the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Exhibit communication skills necessary to interpret age specific responses to treatment.
• Direct, supervise and perform initial and annual competencies and evaluate the performance of the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, and others assisting with OT treatment.
• Selectively delegate OT services to the Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Train PACE staff in methods to maximize safety and functional abilities in performing activities of daily living (ADL’s).
• Know and adhere to the philosophy and goals of [ AHHC ].
• Keep current and accurate records of evaluations, treatment data and participant’s response to treatment, verbal and written.
• Participate in educational programs and attend all mandatory educational programs.
• Maintain functional operating level of equipment.
• Inform supervisor of needs for equipment and materials.
• Perform assigned duties as instructed for all emergency drills or situations.
• Orient, trains and demonstrates techniques for staff and volunteers individually and in groups as directed.
• Act only within the scope of authority to practice.
• Other duties as assigned.