Provides occupational therapy services to VNS Home Care patients through comprehensive assessment, development and implementation of a plan of care consistent with the Agency mission and the Rehabilitation policies and procedures. Works under general supervision.

• Conducts comprehensive assessment of patient’s needs, developing treatment plan and outcomes; and implements the home occupational therapy care plan.
• Maintains, documents and updates patient’s records through timely completion of all required documentation, ensuring compliance with department, Agency and Regulatory requirements and policies.
• Monitors patient’s progress through assessment of care provided; revises treatment plan, outcomes and discharge plan as appropriate.
• Travels to patient’s 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.
• 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/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.
• Transports and utilizes required technology devices (tablet), infection control materials and supplies using VNS Health designated/supplied carrying case (backpack) weighing approximately 15 – 20 lbs to and from patient homes/care facilities, VNS Health offices and therapists’ home.
• Counsels and acts as a resource expert to patient/caregivers/family by providing education and consultation for related patient care issues, including referrals within and outside of VNS Health as necessary.
• Evaluates the need for equipment by assessing patient’s requirements, identifies needed devices such as durable medical equipment (DME), orders equipment and instructs patient/caregivers/family members in its safe use. Manages assigned caseload, providing occupational therapy services to patients as per plan of care.
• Assess cases for appropriateness of Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) services. Makes recommendation if appropriate.
• Assumes responsibility for continued professional growth through attendance/participation in conferences, training and continued education.
• Participates in VNS Health meetings, including but not limited to, interdisciplinary team meetings, in-services and training programs, rehab services meetings and caseload reviews.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Current license and registration to practice as an Occupational Therapist in the State of New York required
• Valid driver's license may be required, as determined by operational/regional needs.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from a program approved by the New York Department of Education – 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 one year experience as an Occupational Therapist or successful completion of the probationary period as a VNSNY Rehab Intern preferred.
• Bilingual skills may be required, as determined by operational needs.
• Basic PC skills preferred.

Pay Range per Visit:

• If you are applying to the per diem per visit version of this job, the hiring range is as follows: $70- $75 per visit.