Job Overview
We are seeking a compassionate, skilled, and motivated Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our multidisciplinary team serving participants at Sage Eldercare in Summit, an adult day center, with additional opportunity to provide in-home occupational therapy services as needed.
The Occupational Therapist will evaluate participants’ functional abilities, identify barriers to independence, and develop individualized treatment plans focused on improving safety, mobility, activities of daily living (ADLs), and participation in meaningful daily activities. The OT will work closely with Physical Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, nursing staff, caregivers, physicians, and other members of the care team to provide comprehensive, participant-centered care.
This position is an excellent opportunity for an OT who enjoys working with adults and older adults and is interested in functional rehabilitation, chronic disease management, neurological conditions, fall prevention, adaptive equipment, and maintaining independence in the community.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations to assess participants’ functional, cognitive, sensory, and physical abilities.
- Develop individualized occupational therapy plans of care based on evaluation findings, physician orders, participant goals, and functional needs.
- Provide skilled occupational therapy interventions within the adult day center to improve independence and safety with ADLs and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).
- Address functional limitations involving dressing, bathing, grooming, toileting, feeding, transfers, household activities, and other daily tasks.
- Provide interventions addressing upper-extremity strength, coordination, fine motor skills, range of motion, balance, and functional mobility as appropriate.
- Assess participants for fall risk and identify strategies to improve safety and reduce the risk of falls.
- Evaluate the need for and make recommendations regarding adaptive equipment, durable medical equipment (DME), and environmental modifications.
- Provide education to participants, caregivers, and staff regarding adaptive techniques, safety strategies, positioning, and home exercise or activity programs.
- Address cognitive and perceptual deficits that may impact safety, independence, and participation in daily activities.
- Provide appropriate interventions for participants with neurological, orthopedic, chronic medical, and age-related conditions.
- Collaborate with Physical Therapy and Speech-Language Pathology to coordinate interdisciplinary rehabilitation goals and avoid duplication of services.
- Participate in interdisciplinary care planning and communicate participant progress, barriers, and recommendations to the care team.
- Complete evaluations, daily treatment notes, progress reports, reassessments, discharge summaries, and other required documentation accurately and within established timeframes.
- Monitor participant progress and modify treatment plans as clinically appropriate.
- Provide recommendations to promote carryover of therapeutic strategies between the adult day center and participants’ home environments.
- Maintain compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, professional standards, payer requirements, and organizational policies.
- Maintain professional licensure and continuing education requirements.
Experience & Qualifications
- Current and unrestricted Occupational Therapist license in the State of New Jersey.
- Graduate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program.
- Experience working with adult and/or geriatric populations preferred.
- Experience in outpatient, home health, adult day, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or other post-acute settings preferred.
- Experience treating individuals with neurological, orthopedic, cognitive, or chronic medical conditions preferred.
- Strong understanding of ADL/IADL training, functional mobility, adaptive equipment, and environmental modifications.
- Knowledge of fall prevention and strategies to promote safety and independence among older adults.
- Ability to perform functional assessments and develop individualized, measurable treatment goals.
- Strong clinical reasoning and documentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills with participants, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining communication with the interdisciplinary team.
- Reliable transportation and willingness to provide occasional in-home visits, if applicable to the position.
- Experience with electronic medical records (EMR/EHR) systems preferred.
Work Environment
The primary work setting will be an adult day center, where the Occupational Therapist will provide skilled rehabilitation services to participants during their scheduled attendance.
Depending on participant needs and program requirements, the position may also include in-home occupational therapy visits for those looking for additional hours. Home-based services may involve evaluating the participant’s home environment, addressing safety concerns, training in ADLs, recommending adaptive equipment, and developing strategies to improve independence and carryover outside of the adult day center.
What We Offer
- Collaborative, multidisciplinary work environment
- Opportunity to work closely with PT, nursing, and other healthcare professionals
- Meaningful opportunity to improve participants’ independence and quality of life
- Variety of clinical presentations and functional rehabilitation needs
- Potential flexibility between adult day center and home-based services
- Supportive environment focused on participant-centered, evidence-based care
Pay: $55.00 - $65.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Opportunities for advancement
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
