Each rehabilitation team member is first a part of a group effort to provide care within a continuous performance improvement environment, and secondly a distinct professional who provides specific contributions to the team approach. Team members assess patients and establish together plans of care; provide a wide variety of treatment techniques; provide education and support to patients and families; and facilitate continuing care planning. Team members evaluate quality of services and participate in outcomes management activities. Although team members report directly to a team leader, they are also responsible to each other, to those they supervise (rehab assistants and aides) and to other participants in patient care activities, including attending and resident physicians, nurses, their support staff, and Patient Care Resource Managers to assure coordination of services and programs. A team member embraces the Intensive Caring values of the organization and uses them to guide interactions with others.
The occupational therapist (OT) will provide specialized treatments to help the patient explore and identify productive avocational interests. Treatments include assessment of interests, introduction to various methods used to explore resources post discharge (use of the internet, identification of local organizations, methods to inquire about resources), exposure to local organizations, and education material to maximize patient post discharge planning. The OT is expected to be the contact for the community link and be a liaison for patients/staff/consumers of Rehabilitation Services.
Minimum Qualifications All rehabilitation team members must be licensed or certified with the respective profession (physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology, social work, or therapeutic recreation), and meet the educational and/or certification requirements established by their professions (social workers and speech pathologists must hold master's degrees; physical therapists, occupational therapists, and must hold bachelor's degrees). All academic degrees must have been granted from an accredited institution. All licensed professionals must be cleared through the National Database of Practitioners. Typically, one-two years experience working in a medical setting is preferred for all professionals hired.
