Occupational Therapist at Synapse Resource Center

Location: Port-Harcourt, Rivers
Reporting to: Clinical Lead

Job Purpose
To provide practical advice and solutions to enable people live full, satisfying and independent lives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake patient assessments of physical skills, communication skills, interactive skills and cognitive skills
• Select and modify the appropriate occupational therapy treatment model, method and approach to implement the process of interventions.
• Apply interventions to maximize safety and performance in activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL).
• Teach clients new ways of approaching tasks and educate them on how to break down activities into achievable components.
• Establish realistic goals with the patient with meaningful outcomes
• Liaise with other professionals, such as doctors, psychologists, social workers, as well as patients' families and caregivers.
• Keep up-to-date written and electronic records
• Write reports and care plans
• Attend multidisciplinary case meetings to plan and review ongoing treatment
• Refer patients to other specialists when needed
• Assess client’s home and other environments and advice on alterations consistent with their needs and capabilities.
• Recommend adaptive equipment and train in its use.
• Guide and educate family members and caregivers.
• Observe, note, and report on progress of long and short term treatment goals.
• Collect data and document processes followed.
• Contribute to the analysis, planning, audit, development and evaluation of clinical services
• Regularly follow-up client.

Requirements

• Minimum of a B Sc. degree in occupational therapy, a Master’s degree would be an added advantage
• Proven working experience as Occupational Therapist.
• Valid licence to practice occupational therapy.
• Excellent knowledge of principles and practices of occupational therapy.
• Hands-on experience with computer programs and creative media.
• Familiarity with ADLs evaluation tools ( e.g. Katz ADL scale, Lawton IADL scale)
• Ability to manage patients with different types of personalities.
• Current knowledge of treatment practices per discipline and drive to continually learn and grow in the profession.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.