Occupational Therapist

About the Role

Full-time Occupational Therapist at Hillcrest Firethorn in Lincoln, NE, part of Hillcrest Rehab Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations using appropriate tests and measures.
• Develop timely, individualized plans of care based on evaluation findings and patient goals.
• Provide evidence-based occupational therapy interventions to improve functional abilities and independence.
• Address activities of daily living, functional skills, sensorimotor needs, and other areas impacting everyday life.
• Progress treatment plans appropriately as patients work toward established goals.
• Educate patients and family members regarding treatment plans, adaptive strategies, safety, and recommendations.
• Adapt education based on individual learning needs, cognitive abilities, and cultural considerations.
• Complete accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Accurately document and charge for therapy services according to established guidelines.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing, therapy professionals, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Communicate changes in patient status, progress, barriers, and recommendations.
• Coordinate patient transitions within or outside Hillcrest service lines.
• Make recommendations regarding equipment, services, and resources needed for a successful transition.
• Provide appropriate handoff communication when patients move to another level of care.
• Supervise, collaborate with, and appropriately delegate care to therapy assistants, technicians, and support personnel within regulatory requirements.
• Identify individuals who may benefit from additional medical or therapy services and complete appropriate screenings.
• Develop an efficient patient schedule considering individual preferences, clinical needs, and the treatment environment.
• Identify patient and facility safety risks and take appropriate action.
• Follow infection-control, patient-handling, documentation, and workplace-safety standards.
• Participate in professional activities, education, advocacy, presentations, and other opportunities that support the occupational therapy profession.
• Assist with additional therapy responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Occupational therapy evaluation
• Clinical reasoning skills
• Patient-centered approach to treatment and goal setting
• Evidence-based occupational therapy interventions
• Ability to develop and progress individualized plans of care
• Experience addressing activities of daily living and functional independence
• Patient and family education skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with an interdisciplinary healthcare team
• Documentation skills
• Time-management skills
• Ability to organize an efficient patient schedule
• Strong attention to patient safety, infection control, and risk management
• Ability to work independently while remaining part of a collaborative therapy team
• Flexibility and sound clinical judgment in a fast-paced rehabilitation environment
• Commitment to helping patients maximize independence, function, and quality of life.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Ability to independently lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive sitting, bending, standing, walking, reaching, lifting, and movement as required.
• Ability to safely provide hands-on occupational therapy interventions and patient assistance.
• Ability to be flexible and calm when working with patients and families during stressful or emotional situations.
• Ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail in a fast-paced rehabilitation environment.
• Ability to utilize clinical technology and available resources efficiently and effectively.
• Must follow established infection-control and patient-safety standards.
• Possible exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program required.
• Active Occupational Therapist license in Nebraska required.
• Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association required.
• Experience working with aging adults and patients with complex rehabilitation needs preferred.
• Previous experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, post-acute rehabilitation, hospital, home care, or a similar setting preferred.
• New graduates are welcome to apply.