Occupational Therapist Per Diem - Acute Care

At St. Tammany Health System, delivering world-class healthcare close to home is our goal. That means we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best professionals for every position in our health system.

We believe the pristine beauty of St. Tammany Parish adds to our attractive compensation package. The health system is nestled in the heart of Covington on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is a peaceful, scenic, community-oriented area with an abundance of amenities to suit every taste.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: TBD

Summary of the Job:
Plans and administers medically prescribed Occupational Therapy treatment for patients suffering from surgeries/injuries, or muscle, nerve, joint, cardiovascular, pulmonary and bone diseases, to restore function, prevent disability, and facilitate discharge from hospital setting. Reviews physician's referral (prescription) and patient's condition and medical records to determine occupational therapy treatment required. Facilitate development and rehabilitation of mentally, physically, or emotionally handicapped: Plans program involving activities, such as practice in functional, prevocational, vocational, and homemaking skills, and activities of daily living; and participation in sensorimotor, educational, and recreational activities designed to help patients develop or regain physical or mental functioning or adjust to handicaps. Consults with other members of rehabilitation team to select activity program consistent with needs and capabilities of individual and to coordinate occupational therapy with other therapeutic activities. Selects constructive activities suited to individual's physical capacity, educational level, and interest to maximize independence, prepare individual for discharge from hospital setting, return to employment, assist in restoration of functions, and aid in adjustment to disability. Construct and monitor use of custom-made splints based on physician order/referral. Issue and/or constructs adaptive equipment for individual and suggest adaptations for individual's work-living environment. Evaluates effects of treatment at various stages and adjusts treatments to achieve maximum benefit. Orients, instructs, and directs work activities of assistants, mobility techs, and students. Communicates directly with consulting Physicians, Nursing staff, and Case Managers/Social Workers to ensure discharge recommendations and/or barriers to discharge are identified in a timely manner.
 
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science or Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy from an AOTA accredited institution required. Occupational Therapist license or permit from the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners required. Permit holders must obtain license within 90 days of hire. Basic Life Support certification through the American Heart Association required. NBCOT Certification strongly preferred. Working knowledge of computer software to include, but not be limited to: word processing and spreadsheets.
 
Physical Demands:     
Must possess good physical health.  Some requirements include but are not limited to standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time.  Lifting at least 50 pounds is required. 
Physical Effort required:        
Constant (67% - 100%) – talking, hearing, and seeing
Frequently (34%-66%)– NONE
Occasionally (1%-33%)– lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.), balancing, stooping, crouching, reaching, and handling/feeling

EMPLOYMENT

Each St. Tammany Health System staff member is expected to conduct himself or herself according to our mission, vision and values. Please take time to review those expectations, which can be found by clicking here, before applying for employment. If you feel you are unable to demonstrate those characteristics, we respectfully request that you do not proceed with the application process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

St. Tammany Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Tammany Health System is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.