Occupational Therapist

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

The Occupational Therapist aims to maximize patients’ ability to perform their daily tasks and carry out their essential roles at work, in the home, and in leisure and social settings through the use of activities, environmental modifications, and prescription of adaptive equipment. Occupational therapists work with patients with a wide range of conditions as a result of injury, illness, or aging.

Occupational Therapy Services are provided within a multi-disciplinary setting.

As a Basic Grade Therapist, the job scope may require a rotation in clinical duties to varied settings. Guidance might be required in the management of patients with complexities.

(A) MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

CORE COMPETENCIES AND CLINICAL DUTIES (80-90%)

1. Clinical Competencies and Duties

The Occupational Therapist has the general clinical competencies below (though not exclusive to this list) and has attained the specific area of competency for their specialty area. Depending on his/her rotation, the Occupational Therapist demonstrates specific competencies in the management of patients in one of these disciplines:

• Community
• Geriatrics
• Hands
• Neurology
• Orthopedics
• Others

He/she demonstrates independence in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of patients within the defined scope of practice. He/she understands the limits of his/her expertise and will seek guidance proactively when required.

The Occupational Therapist should:

• Possess skills and knowledge expected at entry level
• Select appropriate and specific outcome measures to enable evaluation of therapy progress and outcomes
• Formulate patient-centered intervention and plans based on findings, goals, and treatment plans
• Deliver appropriate interventions safely
• Modify therapy plans based on patient performance, motivation, and safety
• Communicate assessment results, therapy plans, goals, and outcome measures to patients and other relevant stakeholders
• Formulate discharge or care plans in consultation with relevant stakeholders
• Document patient records accurately

2. Administrative Competency and Duties

In the course of providing Occupational Therapy services, staff demonstrate skills and competency in self-management and comply with medico-legal and governance guidelines.

• Responsible for the caseload allocated and provide coverage as necessary
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date medical reports in continuity of care
• Familiar with and adhere to basic tenets of JCI
• Adhere to established billing procedures
• Have basic IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Use and navigate hospital electronic medical records application
• Maintain statistics on workload as needed by the Department and Hospital
• Coordinate processes and flow within teams, which include understanding each area’s operations

3. Demonstration of Teamwork and Professionalism

Occupational Therapists are members of the multi-disciplinary team. Staff demonstrates esprit de corps and professionalism to ensure that the desired outcomes are attained.

• Engage actively in patient and caregiver education
• Provide after-hours and on-call therapist services as required
• Assist with care and maintenance of equipment, materials, and resources in the Department/Hospital
• Attend and present at department meetings, ward rounds, and other professional meetings as required
• Liaise with and maintain good working relations with other healthcare professionals within the hospital and with external organizations
• Demonstrate professional behavior, including respect for patient privacy, personal hygiene, and being a role model to subordinates
• Involve in department activities e.g., Fitness Challenge/Hospital activities as and when required

OTHER DUTIES (10-20%)

1. Continuous Education

• Ensure that knowledge is up-to-date
• Take ownership of personal continuous professional development of skills and knowledge in Occupational Therapy, which includes independent reading and attending relevant courses and talks
• Contribute to continuous professional development of skills and knowledge to colleagues, including provision of in-services and participation in peer reviews/audits
• Assist with on-the-job training of therapy assistants (TA)

2. Supervisory Role

• Assist with supervision of TA
• Assist with appraisal of TA
• Assist to supervise personnel attached to the department as and when required
• Assist to supervise observers or students on clinical placements

3. Quality Improvement

• Embrace continuous improvements as our way of life by improving and refining work performance on a daily basis
• Contribute actively to the department’s Kaizen or other service quality improvements projects and initiatives
• Report to Senior Occupational Therapist/Manager, seek advice and provide feedback on service delivery and improvement

4. Research Contribution

• Collect research data as required and assigned by supervisor/manager

5. Others

• Perform other duties assigned by Supervisor/Manager
• Occasional contribution to team/departmental projects outside of office hours as determined by reporting officer
• Adhere to Hospital and Department policies and procedures

(C) JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Education, Training and Experience

Entry Level:

a. Recognized Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy.

b. Non-recognized Diploma/Degree in Occupational Therapy with relevant qualifications e.g., Qualifying Exams

2. Professional License

a. Registered with Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC)

b. Member of the Singapore Occupational Therapist Association or equivalent (highly recommended)

(A) ABNORMAL PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITION

a) Managing patients with behavioral issues.