Occupational Therapist

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organizes and conducts occupational therapy program in the hospital in order to facilitate rehabilitation of the mentally or physically handicapped.

Plans occupational therapy program involving such activities as manual arts and crafts, practice in functional prevocational and homemaking skills and activities of daily living, and participation in a variety of sensory motor, educational, recreational, and social activities designed to help patients regain physical or mental functioning or adjust to their handicaps.

Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team to select the most appropriate activity program consistent with the needs and capabilities of each patient and to coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities.

Selects constructive activities suited to the individual’s physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest in order to upgrade the patient to maximum independence, prepare the patient for eventual return to some form of employment, assist in restoration of articular and muscular functions, improve general physical condition, and aid in adjustment to disability.

Teaches patients, skills and techniques required for participation in activities and evaluates patients’ progress, attitudes, and behavior as related to their rehabilitative potential.

Adapts program according to needs of individual patient, so that, for example, stroke and cardiac cases are assigned tasks of increasing physical demands to increase physical tolerance; general and surgical cases confined for long periods of inactivity are given hobbies and crafts to utilize their time constructively and to aid in their adjustment to confinement; disabled patients are assisted in developing substitute skills and given opportunity to explore vocational possibilities; and when working with children such as those afflicted by cerebral palsy, aids in developing coordination through medium educational toys.

Studies patients’ reactions while they are engaged in work situations and prepares reports reflecting their reactions to activity program for review by other members of the therapy team.

Requisitions supplies and equipment. Lays out materials for patients’ use and cleans and repairs tools at the end of therapy sessions.

May direct activities of one or more assistants or volunteer workers.