| The licensed Occupational Therapist will practice primarily in the Wheeled Mobility program at the Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital located in San Antonio, Texas. The position is responsible for independent provision of comprehensive assessment of functional and occupational roles using standardized and non-standardized evaluation tools. The incumbent will select and provide direct occupational therapy interventions and procedures with varying degrees of complexity in the assigned area. The primary role of this position is performing evaluation for and prescription of wheeled mobility devices and associated seating systems. This service may be provided via Telehealth as appropriate. The incumbent is expected to remain current on latest advances in wheeled mobility and seating technology; as needed, train and support therapy staff in these related areas, serve as liaison between the PM&R Service and, SCI Service, Polytrauma Service, and Prosthetics Service, by attending meetings; improve and streamline various processes related to their role in specialty areas noted; perform program development in areas of responsibility; participate in the ordering of new equipment for successful evaluation and training purposes for patients; fulfill other administrative duties as needed. Occupational therapy services may be provided away from the main campus or hospital facility for therapy interventions such as community reintegration and home assessment. Therapeutic outings may include transportation of patient(s) in an approved vehicle. Services may be provided through telehealth. Duties include but are not limited to: Provide wheeled mobility and seating evaluations to determine the needs for the client, provide education and training in the use of the prescribed device(s), and assignment of further treatment Independent with the configuration and ordering of manual, power, recreational, sports wheelchairs, and scooters, and any needed accessories Responsible for entering appropriate prosthetics requests Evaluate the medical need for wheeled mobility devices and related accessories, prosthetics, splints, or other adaptive equipment; requests appropriate equipment; teaches patient, family/caregivers correct use of equipment Conducting independent and specialized evaluation of the patient by using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests to determine patient needs Review of medical record, review of past wheelchair/equipment prescriptions, subjective interview, observation, vital sign monitoring, and functional evaluation of: strength/range of motion/coordination/sensation, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, cognition, functional mobility, need for assistive devices, endurance, balance, and safety Develop an effective and client centered treatment plan that is appropriate and indicated for the disabilities and conditions being treated Collaborate with the patient, family/caregivers, and other team members to establish an appropriate discharge plan Provide age-specific care that is appropriate to the cognitive, emotional, cultural, and chronological maturation needs of the patient Demonstrate knowledge of changes associated with aging and principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric age groups; ability to assess and interpret data about the patient's status; and ability to identify age-specific needs and provide the appropriate care based upon the age-related factors Work effectively with all treatment team members including the patient, family/care givers, clinical students, physicians, nurses, social workers, case managers, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists and other providers involved in patient's care Provide thorough written documentation for patient's status, progress with therapy, therapy plan of care and patient response to treatment Develop and implement individualized client centered treatment programs for patients Consult with referring providers (MDs, PAs and NPs), as needed Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, Telework as necessary Financial Disclosure Report: Not required |
