The Occupational Therapist (OT) at Serenity Oaks IRF evaluates patients' functional performance in activities of daily living, cognitive function, and upper extremity status, and delivers evidence-based occupational therapy intervention to maximize independence and quality of life. The OT collaborates actively with the IDT to develop and implement individualized care plans, completes FIM self-care scoring, and prepares patients and families for successful discharge. This role requires supervision of COTAs and rehab aides and a strong commitment to person-centered, occupation-based rehabilitation practice.

2. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations including ADL performance, IADL ability, cognition, upper extremity function, and home environment assessment.

• Establish measurable, occupation-based therapy goals and develop individualized OT plans of care.

• Deliver evidence-based OT interventions including ADL retraining, cognitive rehabilitation, upper extremity exercise, and adaptive equipment training.

• Complete and document FIM self-care scores within required timeframes in compliance with CMS and IRF-PAI requirements.

• Supervise COTAs and rehab aides in the delivery of occupational therapy services within their scope of practice.

• Participate actively in weekly IDT meetings; communicate OT findings, goal attainment, and discharge planning needs.

• Provide patient and family education on adaptive techniques, equipment use, home modification recommendations, and caregiver training.

• Recommend, order, and train patients in the use of adaptive equipment and assistive technology.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of evaluations, treatment notes, progress reports, and discharge summaries in the EHR.

• Conduct home assessments or recommend home modifications for safe discharge as clinically indicated.

• Collaborate with nursing on self-care strategies, adaptive equipment use, and ADL training consistency.

• Contribute to the IRF-PAI process in collaboration with the Rehabilitation Program Director.

• Participate in QAPI activities and OT department quality improvement initiatives.

• Maintain continuing education and competency in evidence-based occupational therapy practice.

3. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Required: Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) or Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program.

• Required: Successful completion of NBCOT examination (OTR/L).

• Preferred: One (1) or more years of OT experience in inpatient rehabilitation or acute care.

• Preferred: IRF, neurological, or orthopedic OT experience.

4. LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION & REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• Required: Current, unrestricted Occupational Therapist license issued through the Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners (LSBME) — Occupational Therapy division.

• Required: Current NBCOT OTR/L certification (Occupational Therapist, Registered/Licensed).

• Required: Current BLS/CPR certification (AHA or Red Cross).

• Preferred: AOTA specialty certification in relevant area (e.g., Gerontology, Neurorehabilitation).

• Required: Louisiana OT license verified through LSBME prior to and throughout employment.

5. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Expert clinical knowledge in occupational therapy for stroke, TBI, SCI, orthopedic, and medically complex populations.

• Proficiency in FIM self-care scoring and IRF-PAI documentation.

• Knowledge of ADL retraining, cognitive rehabilitation frameworks, and upper extremity intervention.

• Ability to supervise COTAs within Louisiana OT scope of practice guidelines.

• Proficiency with EHR documentation in an inpatient setting.

• Strong IDT communication and collaboration skills.

• Knowledge of adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and home modification recommendations.

• Understanding of CMS 60% Rule and IRF admission criteria for OT-relevant diagnoses.

• Commitment to person-centered, occupation-based practice.

• Knowledge of patient/family education techniques for functional independence at discharge.

Experience:

• Inpatient Rehab Hospital: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Occupational Therapy License in the state of Louisiana (Required)

Work Location: In person