PT/OT Coordinator

BASIC FUNCTION:  Under the direction of the Resident Services Director, and in consultation with the Elmwood Heights Director of Nurses and Administrator, implements physical therapy programs for assigned individuals as prescribed by the Physician and developed by the Registered Physical Therapist.  Implements Occupational Therapy programs for assigned individuals as ordered by the Physician and developed by the Registered Occupational Therapist. Schedules physical and occupational therapy assessments as needed and serves as liaison between the Interdisciplinary Team and Registered Therapists. Supervises PT/OT Team Leaders. Sees to and provides care and maintenance to PT/OT equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reliable and prompt attendance as scheduled, demonstrating flexibility as needed to meet individual and/or facility need. Communicates with Supervisor and assigned programs regarding approved schedule changes.
• Schedules and participates in physical and occupational therapy assessments as ordered by the Physician and the Interdisciplinary Team. Ensures individuals are transported to and from assessment site, and provides for individual personal care as needed during the assessment.
• Organizes and follows a daily treatment plan throughout the week for all assigned individuals, communicating changes or problems with supervisor and affected programs.
• Conducts physical and occupational therapy programs as scheduled, documenting individual performance and status as dictated by the related therapist, including, but not limited to: statement of completion or incompletion of treatment, progress or problems encountered during treatment, charting of each exercise completed and amount of time spent with the individual, and the completion of monthly summaries by assigned due dates.
• Explains procedures and treatments to assigned individuals, assisting them to anticipate movement and body contact, and creating a friendly and comfortable treatment area.
• Conducts active range of motion and/or strengthening exercises to improve postural tones, ambulatory skills, and balance with assigned individuals as specified by the Physical Therapist.
• Inventories and arranges for repair of all physical and occupational therapy equipment and individual appliances. Assists as needed in the outside evaluation of individual need for specific equipment such as adapted wheelchairs, walkers, orthopedic shoes and braces, etc. Completes monthly quality assurance checks on wheelchairs and PT/OT equipment.
• Seeks assistance from the appropriate therapist when performing unfamiliar or new treatments/procedures.
• Attends in services and/or staff meetings as appropriate to enhance individual treatment skills.
• Maintains a clean, safe working environment by recognizing and correcting hazards to individual safety, and cleaning treatment area, equipment, tables, cabinets, and/or linens and pillows, and returning equipment to its proper storage area.
• Functions as a Team Member, motivating and encouraging individuals to promote their development and independent functioning. Participates as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team, communicating progress and status associated with physical and occupational therapy programs.
• Demonstrates knowledge of assigned individuals behavior development programs and effectively manages and documents any behavioral issues that arise during treatment sessions.
• Functions as a staff trainer in aid training classes as scheduled.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication with other departments, including day training and residential staff, communicating changes in treatment plans associated with physical and occupational therapy programs. Communicates any observed health concerns to the appropriate personnel.
• Assists individuals in any emergency situation following established guidelines for ensuring the maximum safety and well-being of all individuals.
• Supervises and evaluates (including hiring and firing) Physical/Occupational Therapy Team Leaders.
•  In compliance with Milestone, Inc. philosophy and policy regarding Human Rights, immediately intervenes on behalf of individuals in any questionable situation, reporting concerns or questions to the Supervisor-on-Duty or Program Director in a timely fashion.
• Routinely participates in and assists with individual meal times, communicating postural needs to the appropriate therapist and assisting staff in correct positioning and movement of assigned individuals.
• Performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Must complete Direct Support Professional training.
• Prefer physical and or occupational therapy or rehabilitation experience.
• Must be able to intervene physically in individual behavioral and health related crisis.
• Must be able to promptly respond to any/all emergency situations.
• Must be authorized to drive Milestone vehicles.

Current Openings for PT/OT Coordinator Jobs at Milestone Inc. - Rockford