Occupational Therapist

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

The Occupational Therapist will report to the relevant Head of Department in the following areas:

• Orthopedics
• Psychiatric
• Paediatrics
• Neurology

NATURE & SCOPE

The Occupational Therapist is responsible for planning, organizing, and conducting occupational therapy programs to facilitate the rehabilitation of mentally, emotionally, or physically handicapped patients within the Authority's institutions. The work involves assessing patients and supervising activities aimed at helping them regain proper mental functioning and adjust to their handicaps.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

The Occupational Therapist:

• Plans and organizes physical, social, and recreational activities for in-patients and day patients, observing their reactions to treatment and arranging for resource personnel to conduct such activities.
• Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team to determine activity programs consistent with the needs and capabilities of individual patients and coordinates occupational therapy programs with other therapeutic disciplines.
• Maintains proper records of patients’ problems and progress, supervises patient activities, and adjusts programs based on progress.
• Designs, makes, and fits adaptive devices such as splints and braces according to medical prescriptions.
• Identifies and obtains materials, tools, supplies, and equipment for patient activities and instructs/assists them in their use.
• Attends case conferences concerning patient welfare and represents occupational therapists on medical committees.
• Participates on Medical Boards to determine patients' fitness for employment.
• Performs all other related duties as required by the Authority.

KEY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, materials, and equipment used in occupational therapy.
• Skill in dealing with emotionally disturbed or maladjusted patients.
• Ability to plan and direct therapeutic activities for individuals or groups and perform professional assessments of treatments in relation to patient progress and changing needs.
• Ability to demonstrate and instruct patients in various arts and crafts.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

• Training as evidenced by the possession of a Master’s in Occupational Therapy.
• Registered with the Trinidad and Tobago Occupational Therapy Association.
• Two (2) years’ experience in a health-related field.
• Any other equivalent combination of training and experience.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Not applicable.

COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal:

• Clinical Staff
• Para-Clinical Staff
• Nursing Staff
• Administrative Staff
• Auxiliary Staff

External:

• Clients/Patients
• All other related government agencies
• NGOs