Occupational Therapist

Help patients develop, recover and improve the skills needed for daily living and working.

Review patient medical history, ask questions and observe patient's completing tasks to evaluate condition and needs.

Develop a treatment plan for patients, identify specific goals and types of activities that will be used to help the patient work toward set goals.

Help people with various disabilities with different tasks, demonstrate exercises, evaluate a patient's home or workplace and based on the patient's health needs, identify potential improvements.

Educate a patient's family and employer about how to accommodate and care for the patient. Recommend special equipment, such as wheelchairs and eating aids and instruct patients on how to use that equipment.

Assess and record patient activities and progress for patient evaluations, for billing and for reporting to physicians and other healthcare providers.

May work with children in educational settings, evaluating disabled children's abilities, modify classroom equipment to accommodate children with certain disabilities and help children participate in school activities.

May work with patients who suffer from developmental disabilities, mental illness or emotional problems.

May teach these patients skills such as managing time, budgeting, using public transportation and doing household chores in order to help them cope with and engage in daily life activities.

May work with individuals who have problems with drug abuse, alcoholism, depression or other disorders.

Demonstrate a positive, empathetic and professional attitude towards customers always. When patient needs are not met, acknowledge and work to resolve complaints. Recognize that patient safety is a top priority.