04/09/2013 31140

CHIEF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the total management of occupational therapy services in a state-operated facility for individuals with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.

An employee in this job has facility-wide responsibility for planning, implementing and evaluating medical, developmental, or psychological- focused occupational therapy services to determine individuals’ current skill levels and assist them in developing basic functional skills or in retaining or strengthening existing skills. Occupational therapy programs may include arts and crafts, audio-visual media, physical restorative activities, and adaptive equipment and devices. Program objectives may be directed toward activities of daily living, group interaction, sensory stimulation or training, physical conditioning, reflex inhibition, or neuro-muscular facilitation to stimulate or alter the neuro-physiological or psycho-social development of individuals and to provide a context for improved living. An employee in this job develops and continuously evaluates the effectiveness of policies and procedures regulating the
conduct of all occupational therapy services. Supervision is exercised over subordinate Licensed Occupational Therapists and other professional and non-professional staff. Work is performed under the general direction of a professional or administrative supervisor and is reviewed for quality of services and achievement of established objectives through conferences and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs the delivery of planned services to implement individual treatment plan objectives.

Develops, implements and evaluates occupational therapy treatment policies and procedures throughout the facility.

Coordinates the delivery of all occupational therapy services with other multi-disciplinary professional staff on individuals’ treatment goals and objectives.

Plans and directs the provision of occupational therapy-related training for professional and non-professional staff of other disciplines.

Plans, directs, and coordinates clinical internship programs for affiliated occupational therapy and occupational therapy assistant students who intern at the facility.

Consults with physicians and other professionals on the development, implementation and evaluation of occupational therapy services.

Requisitions, inspects and monitors proper maintenance of occupational therapy equipment and materials.

Reviews individual case reports created by subordinate staff to ensure effectiveness and appropriateness of services being delivered.

Provides input on individuals’ occupational therapy needs as a member of an interdisciplinary treatment team within a Commonwealth facility.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of occupational therapy.

Knowledge of the principles of psychology.

Knowledge of the processes and objectives of positive behavior support.

Knowledge of human body structure and functions.

Knowledge of the relationship between the neuro-physiological and psycho-social aspects of human development and behavior.

Knowledge of the principles of human behavior, rehabilitation, and development.

Ability to analyze and interpret data.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: One year as an Occupational Therapist Supervisor;

or

Two years of experience as a professional licensed occupational therapist;

or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Occupational Therapist license issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure.