Occupational Therapist - Feeding Therapist (Lincoln)

Essential Functions

• Conducts occupational therapy assessments/reassessments according to department policy and procedure that are appropriate to area of service delivery and indication for service.
• Gathers and analyzes information obtained from diagnosis, indication, medical history and current status, chronologic/cognitive/developmental age, parent/caregiver/physician concern, past response to care.
• Analyzes information to plan for, select and provide a comprehensive, objective assessment of strength, ROM, fine motor skill development, activities of daily living, oral motor/feeding skills, etc that encompasses the components necessary for reporting diagnostic findings and developing clinical recommendations and plan of care related to the specific needs of the client
• Performs assessments according to department procedure on patients with neurologic disorders, sensory dysfunction, orthopedic conditions, developmental delays and other commonly seen pediatric disorders.
• Performs clinical feeding assessments according to department procedure, as designated
• Performs Oral Pharyngeal Motility Studies (OPMs) according to hospital procedure & interprets OPMs accurately in coordination with the Radiologist to determine patient swallowing function/dysfunction, as designated For therapists providing care in the home setting:
• Performs home accessibility evaluations for activities of daily living, cares, mobility, positioning, transfers
• Identifies durable medical equipment needs and assists patient and caregiver(s) in obtaining recommended equipment
• Educates patient & caregiver(s) on safe techniques, including use of durable medical equipment, when performing activities of daily living, cares, mobility, positioning, transfers. Utilizes information gathered through the Occupational Therapy assessment/reassessment to develop a plan of care to include frequency of intervention, types of intervention, goal setting
• Collaborates with patient, caregiver, and other healthcare providers in setting realistic goals and in developing a plan of care that is patient/caregiver focused and outcomes oriented
• Identifies appropriate and measurable long-term goals and short-term goals addressing strength, ROM, fine motor skills, activities of daily living, oral motor/feeding skills that are realistic to the current status and expected outcomes
• Continuously assesses, reassesses and modifies goals and plan of care based upon patient status, patient response to care, caregiver feedback and patient needs.
• Utilizes an Episodes of Care model from initial assessment through discharge Provides high quality patient care that reflects appropriate clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, and that optimizes patients potential for functional gains, improved quality of life, & increased care giver participation in the areas of strength, ROM, fine motor skills, activities of daily living, oral motor/feeding skills, etc
• Adequately prepares for sessions, beginning and ending on time
• Includes caregivers in therapy sessions and provides education, strategies, techniques that can be incorporated into daily routines
• Demonstrates good problem-solving skills and ability to adapt without difficulty
• Proactively pursues opportunities to collaborate with other healthcare professionals; provides and accepts information from all members of the multidisciplinary team to facilitate goal accomplishment
• Utilizes effective communication skills with client, caregiver, professionals and other healthcare providers
• Facilitates referrals to appropriate resources/agencies within the organization and community
• Addresses patient attendance issues by educating on and enforcing the department policy and procedure Completes comprehensive documentation appropriate to the setting in which the occupational therapy intervention occurs and according to hospital and department policy and procedure
• Documentation clearly and concisely records patient status, plan of care, intervention provided, response to care, progress towards goals, patient/caregiver education/home program and need for continued intervention in the area of occupational therapy.
• Documentation is completed in a professional, timely manner and supports billed charges
• Assists team in providing programs, systems, processes that support high quality care, current clinical practice, outcomes measures, and fiscally responsible practice.
• Actively participates in team meetings by identifying opportunities for improvement & growth, sharing insight into topics under discussion, openly listening to ideas of others
• Actively contributes towards the completion of new programs, projects, processes by volunteering to assist and completing assigned tasks/responsibilities within identified time frame.
• Supports decisions of team by incorporating new programs, systems, processes into current practice
• Facilitates growth and skill development of self, team, students and community
• Openly and willingly shares knowledge and expertise with other team members. Utilizes internal and external resources to enhance own knowledge and skills
• Prepares for and actively participates in educational opportunities provided within the department including presentations, article reviews, in- services, discussions
• Assists with the orientation of new team members into the department and organization including student education and student observations to further promote the profession

Education Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in occupational therapy required

Experience Qualifications

• Experience working with pediatric patients or a pediatric clinical internship preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Requires the ability to communicate effective, both verbally and in writing
• Requires basic computer skills
• Requires the ability to organize responsibilities and manage time wisely
• Requires the ability to work effectively in a team setting

Licenses and Certifications

• Health Services\BCLS - Basic Life Support required
• Current and valid Nebraska State License in Occupational Therapy required

Childrens is an equal opportunity employer, embracing and valuing the unique strengths and differences of people. We cultivate an inclusive environment of respect and trust where we all belong. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, religion, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

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