Clinical Specialist - Occupational Therapist

The Clinical Specialist - (OT) practices under indirect supervision to design, deliver and evaluate treatment plans in a recognized area of specialized practice such as - but not limited to -- hand therapy, adult neuro rehab, pediatrics, spinal cord injury, assisted technology. Specialized treatment plans are designed to facilitate development and rehabilitation of patients/members with physical, mental or emotional disabilities and to assist them develop or regain physical or mental functioning or adjust to functional limitations at an optimal level of independence. In addition to providing direct patient care, the Clinical Specialist - (OT) acts as an expert resource, educator and mentor to students and staff in the assigned area of clinical specialty.

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, and applicable state, federal and local laws.


• WITHIN SPECIALIZED AREA OF CLINICAL PRACTICE:


• Designs and delivers in-service training programs in assigned area of specialty clinical practice for students and staff.


• Demonstrates professional competence in assessing patients condition at the onset and through all phases of the occupational therapy treatment program on a routine basis.


• Obtains accurate and complete history through clinical observation and interaction with the patient.


• Performs appropriate examinations, using specialized evaluation procedures, tests and/or evaluations to assess physical, sensory and/or psychosocial dysfunction.


• Interprets evaluation findings to determine nature and degree of dysfunction.


• Observes usual and special precautions relative to the age, medical history and condition of the patient and the type of treatment being given.


• Establishes measurable treatment goals and develops appropriate treatment plans to achieve those goals.


• Reassess clinical signs and symptoms to determine effectiveness of treatment, progress toward goals, and the need for modification of treatment and/or goals.


• Consults with the referring physician regarding treatment request, which are, contraindicated relative to the patients physical condition or medical history.


• Delegates appropriately to support personnel.


• Plans appropriate treatment plans utilizing selected methods to achieve desired treatment objectives, clinical outcomes and goals for patients needing specialized rehabilitation.


• These methods may include - but are not limited to - therapeutic and functional methods to promote muscle return sensory re-education muscle facilitation perceptual - motor integration, activities of daily living and transfer training prosthetic training of the upper extremity orthotic and adaptive equipment fabrication community/social re-orientation.


• Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to utilize occupational therapy competencies relative to musculoskeletal and neurological assessment and treatment procedures including:


• Testing and treatment of spine and extremities using accessory and physiological joint motions.


• Clinical testing to determine muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, coordination, range of motion, and other sensory motor skills.


• Clinical analysis and treatment of postural disorders Activity of daily living (ADL) interventions.


• Administration of treatment modalities.


• Administration of exercise programs /development of patient treatment plans.


• Demonstrates an understanding of the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation process in the delivery of services to patients of the age group served - neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult or geriatric.


• Demonstrates ability to assess data reflective of the patients status.


• Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patients requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide care in accordance with departmental policy.


• Considers the patients physical and cognitive abilities in the selection and administration of treatment procedures for the following patient populations:


• Neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.


• Documents clinical treatments, evaluations, re-assessments in a timely, accurate, and comprehensive manner following established department policies and procedures.


• Establishes and maintains courteous, cooperative relations with the public, patients, families, staff, physicians, and other personnel.


• In conjunction with other members of the rehabilitation department and outside personnel as appropriate, develops and implements special classes or clinics for defined patient populations within a recognized AOTCB specialty practice area of expertise.