Occupational Therapist - job 1 of 4

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.

A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.

Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County. Our 3,500 team members and over 650 medical staff physicians serve residents of Harford County, eastern Baltimore County, and western Cecil County.

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health owns and operates:

University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital (UM HMH), Havre de Grace, MD

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (UM UCMC), Bel Air, MD

The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, Bel Air, MD

The Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center, Bel Air, MD

The Senator Bob Hooper House, Forest Hill, MD

Occupational Therapist, Full time

8 am - 4:30 pm Monday through Friday

JOB SUMMARY:

Provides therapeutic care and services to patients, including assessments, treatment program planning and implementation, related documentation, and communication of Occupational Therapy, who have been referred by a physician for rehabilitative care.  Conducts therapeutic activities and practices values and attitudes congruent with the profession’s standards and ethics.  Serves a patient population ranging in age from infant through geriatric.

JOB TASK 

1. Assessment and reassessment of patients

a. Gathers information efficiently via skilled observation, history, and chart review, and interviews patient, family, and other professionals as needed.

b. Selects, administers, and interprets most appropriate objective measures, standardized and non-standardized tests and evaluations.

c. Interprets results of testing in comparison to patient’s baseline status or established norms for comparative population.

 2. Re-assessment of patients

a. Reassesses patient progress at appropriate intervals utilizing appropriate objective measures to determine further rehabilitation needs and advocates for patients to receive those services

b. Continually assesses patient’s progress toward goals to assure appropriate services are provided in the most effective manner possible. Evaluates patient’s response to interventions and modifies treatment as indicated and communicates with care team or referring physician if patient does not make progress as anticipated.

 3. Documentation & Communication of Evaluation Findings

a. Communicates effectively and efficiently with patients, families, team members, healthcare providers (oral, written, non-verbal).

b. Documents and reports assessment results in electronic medical record clearly and concisely in accordance with state and national guidelines, professional standards, as well as payor requirements. Documentation is clearly understood by others while justifying skilled services and continuation of care if recommended.

c. Completes documentation efficiently and according to time frames established in hospital policies.

d. Documentation supports charges submitted for all services rendered.

e. Written documentation is clear and legible to allow others to read easily.

4. Development of Treatment Plan

a. Based on evaluation results, an efficient and effective plan of care is established and clearly outlined in accordance with best practice guidelines as available.

b. Plan of care involves input from patient, and when appropriate, family and caregivers to assure that patient has an active role in their rehabilitation process.

c. Prepares patient for discharge in a timely manner and works to minimize barriers for patients to meet goals. Collaborates with interdisciplinary team for successful care transitions.

5. Treatment

a. Prepares patients physically and verbally for the treatment intervention to increase trust and willingness for active participation.

b. Implements treatment plans and programs to address functional limitations in an effective and efficient manner to promote best outcomes.

c. Selects interventions that are evidence based and appropriate for the population and conditions being treated.

d. Safely administers interventions that are within the clinician’s scope of practice and which they possess adequate competence to perform. Involves the patient and family the treatment process through education and training as well as the rationale behind treatment interventions selected.

e. Observes and complies with established safety and infection control measures and standards.

f. Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with the patient and promotes excellent customer service.

6. Interdisciplinary Communication

a. Appropriately and efficiently communicates patient’s progress to essential members of the health care team.

b. Demonstrates appropriate actions if patient fails to progress as expected.

c. Clearly communicates progress and goals with patients and appropriately prepares patients for discharge when they meet goals as expected, fail to make progress or no longer meet criteria or benefit from rehab intervention.

d. Supervises and delegates appropriate activities to Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, rehab aides, volunteers and students within their scope of practice and adheres to applicable state and national practice acts accordingly.

e. Actively participates in interdisciplinary rounds as assigned and represents rehabilitation to promote best care for patients.

7. Assessment of Response to Treatment

a. Continuously assesses patient’s response to treatment and adjusts as necessary to encourage progress according to expected plan, patient satisfaction and optimal functional outcomes.

b. Refers patient appropriately to other healthcare providers or back to referring physician if patient may benefit from further testing or treatment of related conditions.

8. Problem Solving

a. Responds to patient’s current physical and emotional status; modifies treatment accordingly.

b. Establishes alternative plans when current techniques are not effective and responds to patient and family concerns quickly and appropriately.

c. Intervenes and responds during adverse or emergency situations.

d. Recognizes treatment precautions and contraindications for evaluation and treatment, uses sound clinical judgement.

e. Works collaboratively with the interdisciplinary team.

9. Demonstrates skills and competencies for the following age groups appropriate; adjusts techniques to meet age-specific needs and uses interpersonal skills congruent to the age/developmental stage of the patient and or family.  ( ) Newborn/Infant, ( ) Toddler/Preschooler  (x) school age, (x) Adolescent, (x) Adult, (x) Elderly

10. Actively participates in staff meetings and in-services and promotes an atmosphere of positive interaction with other team members. Selects continuing education with input from colleagues, managers, and directors to enhance individual professional growth in conjunction with departmental and community needs and service gaps.

11. Demonstrates compliance with hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

12. Demonstrates professional behavior, respect of others and open communication in daily interactions to facilitate a positive working environment.

13. Manages time and organizes self to maintain established productivity standards.

14. Adjusts priorities to needs of the program, department, and organization.

15. Participates in education and mentoring of students at various stages of learning to enhance and encourage a quality future workforce in healthcare.

16. Assists and participates with Performance Improvement/Quality Assurance and peer review activities within assigned areas to improve overall effectiveness of the Rehabilitative Services Department and demonstrate the ability to speak to ongoing Performance Improvement initiatives.

17. Participates in program development or enhancement so that services are updated and improved on a regular basis. Participates on workgroups for rehab practice council or the University of Maryland Rehab Network to demonstrate active participation in department growth.

18. Completes objectives developed for self at the beginning of the evaluation year to demonstrate self-motivation and an investment in the Rehabilitative Services Department.

19. Performs other duties assigned.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Education & Training: Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program.  Holds a current temporary or permanent license to practice occupational therapy in the State of Maryland.  BLS required.

Work Orientation & Experience: Acute care experience preferred.

Skills & Abilities:  Ability to access, review, and integrate information from a variety of sources to develop a treatment plan. Verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills, including the ability to instruct others. Interpersonal skills to enable the therapist to establish and maintain rapport with patient as part of the therapeutic relationship. Ability to work cooperatively with a wide variety of healthcare providers. Ability to manage time and set priorities according to the demands of the job. Ability to conceptualize and problem-solve in the management of the patient. Ability to break down tasks into detailed components in order to analyze the sequence of performance of functional activities.

Ability to communicate effectively with team members and patients. Ability to adapt hours of availability to variable and changing needs of the organization. Ability to maintain confidentiality with patients and team members. Ability to effectively use various pieces of medical and therapeutic equipment.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Compensation:

• Pay Range: $36.84 - $54.21
• Other Compensation (if applicable): NA
• Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide

Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at [email protected].