PACE Occupational Therapist

Overview

SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the PACE Center Director, the Occupational Therapist screens and assesses member functional status. Uses pertinent data to plan and implement appropriate interventions and communicates the same to the inter-disciplinary team to ensure the functional status of members is considered, including those members who are considered to be at high fall risk.  Provides direct guidance to Patient Care Aides, Rehabilitation Assistants and other staff assisting with Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) members’ direct care. Assists in in-services to support staff education. Conducts group education to members as assigned.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

PERFORMANCE AREA 1:

Works closely with the Interdisciplinary Team to:

• Performs initial and annual screenings/assessments as assigned and uses independent judgment to make appropriate recommendations for services. 
• Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team.  Maintains regular attendance at, and participation in, interdisciplinary team meetings; collaborates on care planning and service allocation decisions.
• Completes member evaluations as needed and uses analysis, interpretation and decision-making skills to independently develop a Physical Therapy plan of care.  Evaluations include but are not limited to the following: functional, physical and activities of daily living (ADL) status, cognitive functioning, visual-perceptual status, feeding ability, cooking skills, bed mobility, wheelchair needs, home safety/environmental assessments and restraint assessments.
• Participate in interdisciplinary care plan development and discharge planning for members.This involvement extends to other facilities caring  for PACE members.
• Provides regular updates to team on members’ status in therapy, including therapy discharge plans.
• Provides treatment as indicated and implements occupational therapy procedures consistent with achieving identified goals; grades activities to facilitate goals.   
• Assesses need for adaptive and/or durable medical equipment (DME), makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team according to policy and assists with issuance of DME as indicated.
• Develops, instructs and, when indicated, supervises other staff and/or caregivers on follow-through programs for the members to be carried out by individuals other than Occupational Therapist.
• May assess the need for on-going skilled services and provides authorization for Occupational and Speech Therapies provided in a nursing home and with contracted agencies, following initial evaluation order by Primary Care.
• Communicates as needed with utilization therapist and/or contracted therapists as directed by Rehab Therapy policy and updates the interdisciplinary team.
• Provides regular updates to team on member status in therapy, including discharge plans.
• Participates in meetings as required.        
• Assesses need for adaptive and/or durable medical equipment (DME), makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team according to policy and assists with issuance of DME as indicated.
• Performs minor equipment repairs as directed by Rehab Department policy.
• Assists in hiring, orientation and training of Rehabilitation Aides, including all areas of performance consistent with department policies. Reports directly to supervisor regarding these issues and provides input for performance evaluation.
• Assists in hiring, orientation, training and provides professional supervision for Occupational Therapy Assistant(s) (OTA), in conjunction with Rehabilitation leadership. Adheres to department policy and occupational therapy practice laws and reports to direct supervisor regarding these issues.  Provides ongoing education to OTA(s).
• Delegates restorative care plans to Rehab Aides when indicated and in a timely manner.
• Reviews restorative care plans as directed by department policy.
• Completes documentation per policy.
• Consults with Recreational Therapy Department regarding activity adaptations and/or alternative exercise programs. 
• Develops special programs according to member needs.
• Participates in committees as needed.
• Advocate for community-based services and commitment to risk-based long-term care system to serve the frail elderly population of the community.
• Provides OT coverage for other PACE sites as needed.
• Communicates observed staffing needs/changes and program development needs to supervisor.
• Provides training in body mechanics, support of activities of daily living and use of assistive/adaptive devices to staff and caregivers.
• Educates staff, members and family on services available through occupational therapy staff and limitations of OTA services as directed by the OT practice laws.
• Supervises students following occupational therapy practice guidelines as appropriate.
• Utilizes appropriate safety measures when providing treatment to participants.
• Supports Quality Improvement efforts.
• Maintains valid Occupational Therapy licensure through the state of California. 
• Performs related nonclinical services necessary to maintain the efficient operation of the department.
• Protects privacy and maintains confidentiality of sensitive employee, member and agency information.
• Supports agency’s mission and values.Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Must have knowledge and understanding of and be sensitive to area minority groups and their socio-economic backgrounds/cultures. Demonstrated ability to function independently, with strong organizational skills and flexibility required. Individual must be self-motivated and able to develop positive working relationships with a wide variety of individuals. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing in both English and Spanish preferred. Must have strong oral presentation skills and the ability to interact with a wide range of clients effectively. Must have the advanced knowledge and training sufficient to obtain and maintain licensure in the state of California. 

EDUCATION

• Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program, and current certification with the State. 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum total of one year of personal, clinical/internship, and or employment experience providing care or services for adults with disabilities or frail elderly population required. 
• Experience/familiarity with PACE program and Electronic Medical Records systems, preferred.               

SKILLS

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
• Able to quickly build and maintain rapport with patients and providers of differing backgrounds; team player
• Customer-service oriented
• Strong computer skills
• Familiar with adult learning and general training techniques
• Positive professional insight
• Flexibility and dependability
• Demonstrated good problem-solving skills; sound judgment
• Effective leadership/supervisory skills
• Working knowledge of physical, mental and social needs of disabled and older adults.
• Effective skills in assessment of functional needs of disabled and older adults.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Productive as both an independent and interdisciplinary team contributor.
• Effective organizational skills.
• Demonstrates necessary skills and knowledge as needed for position-specific Competency Assessment Profile.

The pay range for this Exempt position starts at $98,090.62 a year. Our salary ranges are dependent on knowledge, skills, and experience.

In addition, our comprehensive benefits package for regular status employees includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with low premium cost
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• 401k plan with matching contribution
• Educational Assistance
• Employee discounts and more!