Pay Range:$53.65 - $75.27 This position will be based in one of SEARHC’s Rehabilitation Services clinics and will have a varied focus depending on the location and the local need. The primary focus will be to provide general Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT) or Speech Language Pathology (SLP) evaluations and treatments which impact patient’s overall functional and/or cognitive and/or swallow abilities. The therapist performs all therapy interventions and supervisory responsibilities in a professional manner, respects confidentiality, and demonstrates qualities endorsed by following the Seven Standards for Service Excellence outlined in the SEARHC Human Resources Manual. Services are to be provided in compliance with licensure requirements, regulatory and practice standards of a(n) OT/PT/SLP and the national professional guidelines established by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), or American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Along with therapeutic intervention, this position is responsible for day-to-day operations of the rehab clinic including supervision of rehab staff.
OT/PT/SLPs are health care professionals responsible and accountable for patient assessment, evaluation, establishing a plan of care and therapeutic interventions for a wide range of ages with widely varying diagnoses and skills needs who present with a full spectrum of movement abilities, dysfunctions and complexities. The clinician needs to be able to inform clinical teams regarding decisions that involve OT/PT/SLP while taking into consideration consultation provided by other care providers. As patients are seen, recommendations may be made regarding their level of independence and rehabilitation needs which may impact services, care placement and further treatment. The incumbent shall also demonstrate accountability for the contribution to program development, quality improvement, problem solving, and productivity enhancement in a flexible interdisciplinary fashion. Documenting standards must be followed for continuity of care and reimbursement for services. The position may require occasional travel off site and out of town to provide services or cover for providers in other SEARHC facilities.
SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.
Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.
Key Essential Functions and Accountabilities of the Job
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Performs assessment/evaluation, identifies therapy diagnosis, formulates therapy treatment plan with goals and implements treatment of OT/PT/SLP services to patients. It is the responsibility as the primary therapy provider to implement, supervise and modify a therapy plan of care based on assessment of patient response to optimize the outcome for each patient. Reviews clinical records and case histories.
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Attends care conferences, regular meetings/rounds and remains in contact with referring providers and other health care professionals to review patient’s status and individual needs within the health care team concept.
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Collaborates with other team members to assure appropriate medical equipment is arranged and care plan is established prior to discharge. Documents patient encounter findings and treatments including diagnoses, treatment plan.
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Provides services in a timely manner and according to regulatory requirements.
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Works with in-patient and out-patient populations in various settings as assigned.
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Directs the work of support staff, students or interns.
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Facilitates a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families.
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Develops, implements and conducts patient education and therapy programs based on patient and/or family needs. Provides patients and families clear and concise home exercise programs to achieve the fullest rehabilitative potential. The provider ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and return demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers.
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Programs are taught demonstrating sensitivity to cross cultural issues.
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Advises patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and independence, facilitating movement towards a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families.
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Home programs are clear and concise, and the provider ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers.
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Assists rehab and leadership staff in administrative matters, clinic operations, and specialty/research areas as appropriate.
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Participates in the timely and efficient flow of information via email and other digital platforms as appropriate through utilization of the hospital computer system to remain abreast of hospital directives and relay information/change.
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Provides summary of results, statistics and metrics as required by management. Assists in acquisition and fit of durable medical equipment/devices based on needs of patient.
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Maintains supply stocks and clinical equipment at acceptable levels. Responsible for ordering supplies necessary for the day-to-day operations of the clinic. Works with leadership to identify and justify capital equipment requests as needed.
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Remains current in specific billing procedures/mechanisms (Medicare, Medicaid and third-party payers) to aid in reimbursement of services, dispensable supplies and plan of care concurrence with referring providers.
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Maintains cleanliness of clinical space.
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Therapy services may be performed in a variety of settings that will be unique to the community or primary assignment. These can include, but not be limited to: All SEARHC inpatient and outpatient clinics, Mt. Edgecumbe High School Student Health Clinic, community senior centers, Pioneer Home, health/job fairs, patient’s workplace, and other collaborative efforts between SEARHC Rehabilitative Services Department and the communities we serve. This may include participation with project or health promotion teams.
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Video conferencing may be used for patient encounters, training, and administrative duties with off-site locations. When appropriate, home assessments for evaluation of patient’s living arrangements may occur to allow for use of durable medical equipment and implementation of therapy plan in the home living environment.
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Occasional multi-day travel to remote locations by boat or small plane may be required and may occur in climate or harsh weather.
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Provides education to staff/patient/family on OT/PT/SLP.
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Assists in committee and management duties and represents the Rehabilitation Services Department as requested.
- Provides therapy consultation, presentations, and in-services to medical staff, consultants, and other interdisciplinary health care personnel and patient populations regarding therapy services, as assigned. This may include participation in projects or health promotion teams.
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To keep current with knowledge of therapy procedures/techniques and improve clinical service staff will participate as a learner or teacher in clinical education, in-service, etc.
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Continuing educational funds will be allocated for the benefit of the department.
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Adheres to the regulatory and practice standards of OT/PT/SLP set AOTA/APTA/ASHA.
- Follows all SEARHC confidentiality and quality assurance standards; participates in SEARHC SQM functions, utilizes SQM principles in all aspects of the job.
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Demonstrates sensitivity to cross cultural concerns.
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Performs all other duties or activities, as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
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Responsible for supervision of rehab staff including, but not limited to, all related administrative and personnel tasks. Address all personnel issues with support from department leadership and Human Resources.
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Assisting with recruitment, training and performance evaluations of all rehab staff. This includes ensuring rehab team members are following best practices and respective professional standards.
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Assisting with the monitoring of the quality of patient care and ensuring that treatment plans are effectively implemented and managed.
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Effectively managing clinic resources to ensure efficient operations and adequate support for therapy services.
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Ensuring that the clinic adheres to all regulatory and accreditation standards including those related to patient safety and privacy.
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Assisting with the budgeting and financial planning to maintain clinic operations.
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Facilitating communication and collaboration of the therapy team with other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
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Encouraging ongoing education and professional development for staff to maintain high clinical standards.
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Assisting with the handling of any operational concerns or emergencies that arise, ensuring that patient care continues seamlessly.
Additional Details:
Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required
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Entry level qualifying masters or doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, or Speech Language Pathology from an accredited program
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Occupational Therapy assistant, physical therapy assistant, or speech language pathology assistant from an accredited program with 5 years of experience may be considered
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Licensed as a(n) OT/PT/SLP
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Current BLS certification required within 45 days of hire and maintained thereafter.
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Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and maintained every 3 years thereafter.
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Current and valid Alaska driver’s license
Experience Required
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Broad-based clinical experience in multiple settings preferred.
Knowledge of
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Basic principles of OT/PT/SLP in the acute, sub-acute and outpatient settings.
Position Information:
Work Shift:Exempt
If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!
