Occupational Therapist (OT) or COTA

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive occupational therapy services to patients with physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. This role involves evaluating patients, developing personalized treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic interventions to enhance the patient's ability to perform daily activities. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills, compassion for patient care, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Evaluation:
  
  
  • Conduct thorough assessments of patients' physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
  • Utilize standardized tests, clinical observations, and patient history to determine the level of function and areas of impairment.
  • Develop individualized treatment plans based on evaluation findings and patient goals.
• Therapeutic Interventions:
  
  
  • Implement therapeutic activities and exercises to improve patients' ability to perform daily tasks.
  • Utilize a variety of techniques, such as manual therapy, adaptive equipment, and functional training.
  • Educate patients and their families on strategies to manage impairments and optimize function.
• Documentation and Reporting:
  
  
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including initial evaluations, progress notes, and discharge summaries.
  • Document patient progress and modify treatment plans as necessary.
  • Communicate patient status and progress to referring physicians and other healthcare team members.
• Team Collaboration:
  
  
  • Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, physicians, and nurses, to coordinate patient care.
  • Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education activities.
  • Provide training and support to occupational therapy assistants and students.
• Compliance and Professional Development:
  
  
  • Adhere to all applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines, including those set by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and state licensure requirements.
  • Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with advances in occupational therapy practice.
  • Maintain licensure and certification through continuing education and professional activities.

Compensation is competitive and commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation ranges from $33.00 - $47.85. This position is non-exempt and benefits eligible after a 60-day waiting period.

Position Qualifications

Minimum Education

• Minimum of Master's Degree from an accredited university in Occupational Therapy

Experience

• Satisfactory completion of student affiliations before graduation
• One-year experience preferred

Required Registration/License/Certification

• Licensed or eligible for licensure in North Carolina
• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills
• Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of license and certifications and hospital policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the continuum of care provided in the department
• Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians

Physical Demands

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
• Exposed to unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Handles emergency or crisis situations
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays)

Working Conditions

• Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
• Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
• Exposed to unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
• Handles emergency or crisis situations
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays)

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.