Occupational Therapist Specialist- Behavioral Health

Position Objective:

Evaluates and provides interventions to patients on the inpatient behavioral health unit through group and individual modalities. Provides occupational therapy services and interventions specific to the individual needs of the patients currently served on the acute care unit.  Completes interventions and required documentation according to regulatory and departmental standards. The inpatient psychiatric OT develops and oversees the departmental curriculum and standards to meet the needs of the patient population in collaboration with the unit leadership team and providers.

Essential Job Duties:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

1.      Conducts therapy evaluations and treatments using a variety of appropriate treatment techniques and documents according to established departmental policies and procedures.

2.      Develops the psychiatric unit therapy curriculum, in collaboration with nursing and provider leadership.

3.      Demonstrates the ability and required competencies to care for patients with psychiatric illness, and provides staff education on recreational, occupational, and therapeutic activities.

4.      Plans and implements the unit’s therapeutic activity budget in collaboration with unit leadership.

5.      Meets departmental productivity standards and completes productivity logs in a timely manner. Follows Luminis Health practices to bill for Occupational Therapy Services.

6.      Participates in quality and patient safety initiatives, unit quality council, and engages in excellent customer service practices, including but not limited to, following ICARE.

7.      Actively participates in interdisciplinary meetings, departmental in-service activities, evidence-based journal article review, and/or Luminis Health funded continuing education courses.

8.      Provides technical supervision, direction, and support to staff Therapist Assistants, Rehab Aides, students, and volunteers.

9.      Consults with and serves as a resource for physicians, nursing staff, and other clinicians to increase knowledge of psychiatric occupational therapy services.  Demonstrates ability to use clinical decision-making skills to triage patient milieu and problem-solve complex patient care issues.

10.   Functions as a therapy leader performing administrative tasks as needed.

Educational/Experience Requirements:

·        The minimum level of education and experience for this position includes:

·        Masters of Science degree in Occupational Therapy. Doctorate preferred.

·        5 years of acute care or related experience in Psychiatric Occupational Therapy required.

Required License/Certifications:

·        Current license to practice Occupational Therapy by the Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.

·        Current American Heart Association Healthcare provider BLS Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:

There is a reasonable expectation that employees in this position will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Demands – Heavy lifting

The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The above job description is an overview of the functions and requirements for this position.  This document is not intended to be an exhaustive list encompassing every duty and requirement of this position; your supervisor may assign other duties as deemed necessary.