Abolished 10/07

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST 

7298F2

Pay Grade: 26

DEFINITION OF WORK

Summary

This is professional and supervisory work planning, coordinating and evaluating all aspects of an occupational therapy department.

Work involves the application of advanced skills in occupational therapy in support of pre-determined medical needs and responsibility for directing the services of the occupational therapy department.

Supervision Received - Level D: "Under general direction…" Employees at this level are usually in charge of a large and important organizational unit. They plan and carry out assignments with little supervision. They report regularly to a superior, usually by means of occasional conferences, to discuss work progress or new problems which require advice from above. This designation will pertain to classes with a high order of independence.

Difficulty - LEVEL C: Considerable… Duties which require a high degree of concentration because of the many factors which must be considered and weighed before a decision can be reached. Usually positions that require planning, developing, and coordinating programs and directing fairly large groups of people fall into this category.

Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation.

Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL D: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are significant as the work may be rarely if ever reviewed, making errors difficult to detect. Errors may cause major program failure or a high degree of confusion. Injuries to others due to errors are serious or incapacitating or both and costs due to errors are substantial.

Contacts - LEVEL D: The purpose of the contact is to justify, defend, negotiate, persuade or interrogate to settle matters, maintain good will, gain cooperation or reach compromises when the information is controversial or the individuals or groups have strong differences of opinions or diverse viewpoints. Extensive use of communication techniques and well developed communication skills are required for dealing with others.

Physical Demands - LEVEL D: The work requires considerable physical exertion.

Environmental Conditions - LEVEL B: The work environment involves moderate hazards, risks or discomforts. Exposure to minor deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is normal. Minor to serious injuries are possible.

Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority.

Distinguishing Features

Differs from the Therapy Services Supervisor class which directs all aspects of a program providing a variety of specialized therapeutic activities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

Plans, assigns and reviews the work of lower level occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, aides, volunteers and/or students.

Evaluates patients according to physician's referrals to determine appropriate therapy treatment to correct or limit the disabling effects of orthopedic, physical, psychological, perceptual motor, self-care/daily living skills, coordination or sensory integration impairments.

Administers treatments in a training program to instruct therapy assistants, therapy aides, other designated staff members and/or affiliate students.

Coordinates an affiliate program to meet the requirements for students in an approved occupational therapy program, documents their participation and reports their progress to the instructional institution.

Develops and implements policies and procedures; compiles written and statistical reports on treatments administered; audits patient records as required by accreditation and hospital standards; recommends departmental expenditures; orders supplies.

Coordinates and/or directs a wheelchair modification program to design wheelchair padding or special designs to meet the orthopedic needs of residents.

Plans and provides orientation and in-service training as needed by the facility.

*Knowledge of human growth and development.

*Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, techniques, and equipment.

*Knowledge of the care and operation of occupational therapy equipment.

Knowledge of the practices and techniques of supervision.

Abilities

*Ability to evaluate the condition of patients in relation to occupational therapy and to establish and appropriate treatment program.

Ability to direct the services of an occupational therapy department.

Ability to coordinate and administer an approved affiliate program for students of occupational therapy.

*Ability to plan and assign the work of a staff of occupational therapists, assistants, aides and other appropriate personnel.

*Ability to develop and deliver a program of in-service training.

*Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and patients.

*Ability to maintain accurate records and reports of patient treatment and progress.

*Necessary at Entry

Registration/temporary permit to practice as an occupational therapist in the State of Kansas and one year of experience in occupational therapy.

Necessary Special Requirements:

Some positions require an approved drug test unless promoting, transferring, or demoting from another designated position within the same agency.

NC: 12/87
REV: 12/95
REV: 10/98
REV: 02/00
REV: 03/03
REV: 09/03
REV: 08/05