OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST SENIOR 43163

10/1/91 B

This is the third class in the Occupational Therapist series. Positions in this class function as specialists for evaluating and treating severely or multi-disabled or injured clients. This class is distinguished from the Occupational Therapist class by its responsibility to provide comprehensive and specialized treatment approaches. This class is distinguished from the Occupational Therapy Supervisor by the supervisor's responsibility for conducting employee relations management functions.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty in planning and implementing specialized patient treatment for severely disabled or injured clients. Provides specialized treatment in areas such as spinal cord injury, head trauma, adaptive driving multi-impaired and short- and long-term residential clients. Develops treatment plans, goals, and modalities. Implements treatment directly and provides clinical guidance to Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants, and students concerning treatment delivery. Monitors client response to intervention and modifies methods necessary to attain goals; and develops home and community aftercare programs to maintain and enhance the performance of clients. Maintains required documentation.

Supervision Given: Supervision is typically not a factor; however, clinical guidance may be given to Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapist Assistants, and students.

Supervision Received: Receives direction from Occupational Therapy Supervisor, Occupational Therapy Director, or other higher level administrator.

Scope: Work involves the development of treatment plans designed to restore and maintain optimum client response.

Impact of Actions: Work has significant effect on clients' development of independent life skills and may have long-term financial impact by enabling clients to become self-sufficient. Ineffective planning and treatment could negatively affect the use of resources or time, increase cost of care, interfere with services provided by others, and both public and client goodwill.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with clients, family members, and health professionals to plan and develop client treatment programs.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of occupational therapy and in one or more occupational therapy specialty area(s).

Skills: None identified.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to evaluate clients; design treatment plans; provide clinical and technical guidance; direct the work of others; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and to fabricate splints and adaptive equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: As specified in Section 54.1-2400 of the Virginia Code. May require DMV Certification for adaptive driving.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited educational program in occupational therapy.

Type of Experience: Progressive experience in occupational therapy services or in a specialized therapy area involving work with severely or multi-disabled clients.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was revised as a result of the statewide Classification Review/Specification Update Program, effective October, 1991.