Senior Occupational Therapist

Under indirect supervision the Senior Occupational Therapist performs a variety of clinical and non-clinical duties to ensure prompt, appropriate, and effective rehabilitation services for patients and the community.  The Senior Therapist works directly with staff clinicians, patients/families, physicians and other internal and external customers while performing the listed functions.  The Senior OT reports directly to the director of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) or the assistant director of PM&R, however if either is not a licensed OT, then for all clinical issues the Senior OT will consult with an OT clinical specialist.  Occupational therapy services are provided in accordance with department policies and procedures, applicable regulatory body standards, and parameters set by referring physicians.

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, and applicable state, federal and local laws.


• Adheres to all department standards of attendance and dress.


• Maintain privacy and confidentiality of both member and employee medical information.


• Observes all department safety policies.


• Communicate effectively and appropriately in writing and verbally to patients/families, physicians, management, peers, and other internal/external customers.


• Maintains inventory and request supplies and equipment as needed. Follows department policies related to maintenance.


• Direct and instruct subordinate personnel in performance of more routine procedures as requested.


• Participate in clinical competency assessment of subordinate OT/COTAs.


• Participate in orientation of new/registry staff and students.


• Acts as a resource to all department personnel regarding day to day operations.


• Participate in performance evaluation of subordinates OT/COTAs and Technicians.


• Acts as a clinical resource for staff occupational therapists and assistants.


• Routinely consider the patients physical, emotional, cognitive abilities and chronological maturation process in the administration of treatment procedures in treating the following types of patients: neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.


• Demonstrate professional competence in assessing patients condition at the onset and through all phases of the occupational therapy program.


• Assess the condition of patients of all age groups by reviewing medical charts and selecting and using appropriate tests.


• Develop treatment plans; periodically reassess patients condition and change treatment plan within prescribed limitations as necessary.


• Refer unusual results of assessments to physician along with recommendations; insure that patients receive proper equipment, receive proper home care instructions and have proper adjustments made to braces and prosthetics by contacting related services, outside agencies, and personnel.


• Documents test results, findings, patients signs, symptoms, therapeutic treatments, patient progress, treatment plans, patient/family education, and clinical assessments in inpatient and outpatient records following department policies and procedures.


• Helps coordinate Occupational Therapy student internship programs and provides student training as required.


• Develop and direct patient care programs and special classes or clinics in conjunction with other occupational therapy staff members and other health care professionals as needed.


• Assist in the development and implementation of department policies and procedures.


• Participate in relevant patient care rounds and case management conferences.


• Perform other related duties as assigned as aiding the department administrator in keeping abreast of current trends in occupational therapy and monitoring and implementing quality improvement processes.