INPATIENT OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST REGISTRY (TR/PRN)

The Licensed Occupational Therapist at Riverside Healthcare provides expert evaluation and treatment to patients experiencing challenges with mobility, function, and daily living skills due to injury, illness, or disability. The role involves developing individualized treatment plans that address patient needs, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, and guiding patients toward their goals of improved independence and quality of life. The Licensed Occupational Therapist is an essential member of the rehabilitation team, committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.

Essential Duties

• Perform comprehensive evaluations of patients to assess their physical, cognitive, and functional abilities.
• Develop customized treatment plans that address the patient's unique needs, focusing on improving mobility, strength, coordination, and daily living skills.
• Provide direct therapeutic interventions, including exercises, activities, and use of adaptive equipment to help patients achieve their rehabilitation goals.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, nurses, and other therapists, to ensure coordinated and effective patient care.
• Educate patients and their families about therapy goals, techniques, and ways to continue progress outside of therapy sessions.
• Monitor and document patient progress, adjusting treatment plans as needed to optimize outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with all healthcare regulations, safety protocols, and documentation standards.
• Supervise and provide guidance to Occupational Therapist Assistants and other support staff as needed.
• Meets the following productivity percentage on outpatient and inpatient rehab and Acute: less than or equal to 79.99 (NI), 80-83.99 (meets), greater that 84 (exceeds).
• Participates in Quality Improvement efforts, e.g., Journal Clubs, in-services, Magnet, chart auditing, etc. 
• As a salaried professional, you may be expected to work above your FTE.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.
• Participate in occupational therapy care team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices in occupational therapy.

Non-essential Duties

•  Perform administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and filing paperwork as needed.
• Assist with inventory management by restocking supplies and reporting equipment needs.
• Actively participates in designated marketing programs (inpatient or outpatient)
• Contributes to community health initiatives and educational program
• Provide mentorship or support to occupational therapy interns or new staff as needed.
• Engage in ongoing professional development through attending workshops, conferences, and other educational opportunities.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Ability to lift and move patients and equipment safely, and to assist with mobility needs as required.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills with attention to detail and patient safety.

Required Licensure/Education

• Masters or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
• Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist in Illinois.

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure to:

• Chemicals: Clorazene, Virex, Germicidal wipes, Liquid paper.
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids: Overall, there is a minimal risk of exposure to blood and body fluid. Potential risk would be in the event of patient incontinence and open wounds treated in hydrotherapy. There is also some potential for risk in equipment failure such as a catheter or IV breaking.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Whatever hazards that may exist in patient rooms. Minimal.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed to give directions. 
• Vision: Needed to evaluate gestures and movements.
• Smell: N/A
• Hearing: Needed to adequately communicate. 
• Touch: Needed for palpation of musculature and skin, to assess temperature, to distinguish between hot/cold, sharp/dull, etc.

Activity/Lifting Requirements Average 

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 35%
• Twist: 2%
• Stand: 20%
• Crawl: 1%
• Walk: 20%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 5%
• Drive: 1%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 2%
• Bend: 3%
• Reach above shoulders: 1%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required 
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required 
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Demonstration of proper mechanics for lift/carry; set-up for evaluations, treatment programs.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 60 
• Twist:<5> 
• Stand: 30
• Crawl: <5>
• Walk: 30
• Kneel: <5>
• Lift: <10>
• Drive: 0
• Squat: <5>
• Climb: <5>
• Bend: <5>
• Reach above shoulders: <5>

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated):

• Simple grasp up to 15 lbs. 
• Normal weight: Often
• Pushing & pulling Normal weight: 50-200#
• Fine Manipulation: Keyboarding &writing often and for lengthy periods during the day. May also push wheelchairs.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: Required elevating table in order to allow room for wheelchair armrests. Operating vehicle for home evaluations.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 7 
• Outside hours : 1
• Temperature: Normal Range Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average Humidity: Normal Range Atmosphere: Odors, Dust
• Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical: General use of exercise equipment and computers, modalities. Chemical additives for whirlpools, disinfectants.
• Protective Clothing Required: Gown, gloves or mask when indicated.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Our Commitment to You:

Riverside Healthcare offers a comprehensive suite of Total Rewards: benefits and nationally rated employee well-being programs, competitive compensation, programs that invest in your career development and so much more – so your journey at and away from work is remarkable. Our Total Rewards package includes:

Compensation

• Base compensation within the position’s pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
• Premium pay such as shift differential, on-call
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Benefits

• Paid Leave Hours accrued as you work