Occupational Therapist - Brockton Behavioral Health Center (Per Diem)

Position: Occupational Therapist
Department: Inpatient Psychiatry

Reports to:  Nurse Manager

Schedule: Per Diem

Location: Brockton, MA

POSITION SUMMARY:

Boston Medical Center is seeking an Occupational Therapist for its 80-bed behavioral health hospital located in Brockton, MA. BMC Brockton operates as a behavioral health accountable care organization providing cutting edge inpatient treatment and stabilization for individuals experiencing complex mental health and substance use needs.

The Occupational Therapist prescribes and implements a treatment program which is designed to return patients to their maximum level of function.  The Occupational Therapist works collaboratively with all members of the multidisciplinary team to maximize patient and team outcomes.  The Occupational Therapist runs Occupational Therapy Groups as well as some individualized treatment.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

Conducts occupational therapy evaluation procedures according to professional guidelines

• Selects evaluation procedures that reflect understanding of the patient’s diagnosis, abilities, and limitations.

• Administers evaluation procedures according to the guidelines of standardized tests; adapts evaluation procedures as indicated to accommodate the specific needs of patients.

• Interprets evaluation results, develops an integrated diagnostic impression, and makes recommendations.

• Educations patients and caregiver regarding evaluation findings and management of care recommendations

• Formulates treatment goals and plans that reflect the patient’s unique psychological and functional deficits.

• Establishes measurable and attainable short and long-term goals in collaboration with patient and/or caregiver.      

• Modifies goals as warranted by changes in patient’s status.

• Assesses discharge needs of the patient and caregiver, including but not limited to: insurance issues, equipment needs, follow-up appointments, and appropriate use of community services.

• Communicates patients care and discharge needs to team members as needed. Arranges for appropriate follow-up.

• Select and adapt the appropriate occupational therapy treatment model, method and approach to direct the process of interventions

• Uses objective evaluation techniques to assess the occupational limitations and medical condition of patients  

• Complete all necessary clinical documentation in an accurate and timely manner

• Implements comprehensive individual and group treatment. Establishes treatment priorities based on evaluation results and the specific needs of the patients. Develop treatment plans, measure progress against the plans, and make adjustments as needed

• Uses creative treatment approaches and explores alternative solutions to individual patient problems.

• Demonstrates clinical problem solving skills with a variety of patient problems and substantiates actions taken.

• Progresses patient treatment programs appropriately and terminates them as warranted by patient’s progress and condition.

• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provides verbal and/or written instructions as indicated.

• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.

• Demonstrates ability to engage patients in treatment provides reinforcement and support; sets limits appropriately.

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups regularly served.

• Notifies supervisor/manager when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized needs of such patient age groups.

• Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions. 

• Demonstrates good judgment in handling potentially hazardous situations, seeking assistance as necessary.

• Seeks feedback.

• Monitors clinical supplies, requesting replacements in a timely manner.

• Teach clients new ways of approaching tasks

• Provide crisis intervention as needed

• Shows evidence of on-going professional growth and knowledge of regulations and standards.         

  • Initiates independent learning opportunities, seek out and integrate new information in daily practice.

  • Communicates learning needs to supervisor.

  • Stays current with advances in occupational therapy treatments and techniques through attendance of professional meetings, continuing education, and reading of current literature.

  • Shows knowledge of professional federal and state rules and regulations governing the practice of occupational therapy.

  • Assumes responsibility and accountability for the care of the patients being treated by the certified occupational therapy assistant.

Collaborates with colleagues and other professionals to provide high quality patient care

• Serves as clinical resource for other health care professionals on assigned floors.

• Works as part of the team, helping and supporting staff members as needed; listens to and seeks feedback from others; shares knowledge with others in positive manner; expresses opinions clearly.

• Accommodates to change by being adaptable and flexible and maintains professional demeanor during periods of stress.

• Assumes a leadership role and takes charge in difficult situations.

• Attends and participates in all mandatory department meetings. 

• Arrives prepared and on time.

• Accepts and completes additional assignments as requested by supervisor, including membership in task forces and committees.

• Participates responsibly in the supervisory process, follows through on suggestions and recommendations, and utilizes supervision time for own professional growth.

• Comes prepared to supervisory meetings. Develops and meets annual goals with a high quality of performance.

• Participate in multidisciplinary patient care conferences

Education:

• Graduate of an Occupational Therapy program approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association

Experience:

• Psych Occupational Therapist experience required

• Excellent knowledge of principles and practice of occupational therapy

• Ability to manage patients with different types of personalities

Licensure:

• Licensed to practice occupational therapy in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Certification:

• AHA Basic Life Support CPR certification

• National Board Certification in Occupation Therapy (NBCOT)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans