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Occupational Therapist
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Based on New York data
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What they do
An Occupational Therapist helps patients with injuries, illnesses, and disabilities recover, improve, or develop skills needed for everyday activities. Assists people with mobility impairments to move easily around their homes; develops school and workplace settings that are accessible for individuals with physical or mental disabilities. May specialize in certain types of impairments or certain categories of patients.
$91,315 / year median in New York
+7% projected growth
Job Description
Occupational Therapist Position Title:
Occupational Therapist Department:
Rehabilitation Services FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt (Hourly) Position Summary The Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) provides skilled occupational therapy services based on physician or qualified provider referral and clinical evaluation. The OT evaluates patients, develops individualized plans of care, and implements evidence-based interventions to maximize independence, safety, and functional performance. The setting includes short-term rehabilitation, outpatient therapy and long-term care. The OT utilizes an understanding of growth and development to provide age-appropriate, patient-centered care across the continuum of care. Responsibilities include patient evaluation, treatment planning, reassessment, discharge planning, patient and caregiver education, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The OT provides clinical supervision and direction to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) in accordance with New York State practice regulations. The Occupational Therapist promotes Cuba Memorial Hospital (CMH) in a positive and professional manner throughout the organization and the community. Essential Responsibilities- Perform comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using standardized assessments and clinical judgment.
- Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable functional goals.
- Provide skilled occupational therapy interventions to improve activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), upper extremity function, cognition, vision, balance, mobility, and overall functional independence.
- Reassess patient progress and modify treatment plans as clinically appropriate.
- Complete timely and accurate documentation in accordance with facility policy, payer requirements, and regulatory standards.
- Provide clinical supervision, direction, and delegation to Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) in accordance with New York State regulations.
- Educate patients, families, caregivers, and staff regarding treatment plans, adaptive equipment, home safety, and discharge recommendations.
- Participate in interdisciplinary care planning, family meetings, discharge planning, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Recommend adaptive equipment, splints, positioning devices, and environmental modifications to maximize patient safety and independence.
- Maintain compliance with infection prevention, patient safety, and regulatory standards.
- Participate in departmental meetings, continuing education, and professional development activities.
- Promote CMH in a positive and professional manner within the facility and community.
- Perform other duties as assigned. Education, Training, and Experience
- Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
- Current New York State license as a Registered Occupational Therapist.
- Experience in skilled nursing, outpatient rehabilitation, acute care, or hospital rehabilitation is preferred but not required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of occupational therapy evaluation and treatment principles.
- Strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to safely perform direct patient care.
- Basic computer skills and proficiency with electronic medical records preferred. Work Environment / Hazards
- Exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.
- Potential exposure to patients with behavioral or cognitive impairments, including dementia-related behaviors.
- Risk of musculoskeletal injury associated with lifting, transferring, positioning patients, and operating rehabilitation equipment.
- Fast-paced healthcare environment requiring sound clinical judgment and flexibility.
Work Contacts Frequent interaction with:
- Patients and residents
- Families and caregivers
- Physicians and advanced practice providers
- Nursing staff
- Rehabilitation team members
- Other interdisciplinary team members
- Volunteers, visitors, and all CMH departments Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, squat, and reach throughout the workday.
- Ability to safely lift, transfer, reposition, and assist patients using proper body mechanics and mechanical lifting equipment.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and greater weights with assistance.
- Ability to push and pull wheelchairs, stretchers, and rehabilitation equipment.
- Ability to perform repetitive upper extremity movements and fine motor tasks.
- Ability to respond appropriately during emergency situations.