Atlantic Health is searching for a Occupational Therapist for the Rehabilitation Department at Chilton Medical Center's inpatient (acute care) unit. The Occupational Therapist in this setting is responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with communication, cognitive‑linguistic, voice, and swallowing disorders associated with acute medical, neurological, surgical, and traumatic conditions. The Occupational Therapist collaborates closely with an interdisciplinary medical team to support safe, effective, and timely patient care throughout acute hospitalization. This is a Part-Time (22.5hrs/week) position that is complemented by the numerous benefits of working at Atlantic Health, including Medical Insurance, Paid Time Off, 403b Retirement Plan, and more. Chilton is an award-winning 250-bed hospital that is nestled in the a picturesque suburban setting of Morris County. The hospital combines the warmth of a close-knit community hospital with the resources, technology and clinical excellence of a large, nationally recognized health system. Surrounded by tree-lined neighborhoods and nearby parks, Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center offers a beautiful, calming environment for both patients and staff - which is ideal for clinicians who value quality of care, collaboration and work-life balance. The campus is easily accessible yet removed from the congestion of urban hospital settings, creating a welcoming atmosphere that supports healing and professional satisfaction. Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center is known for its patient‑centered, multidisciplinary approach to care and offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including critical care, stroke services, orthopedics, neuroscience, oncology, and women’s and children’s care. As member of Atlantic Health, clinicians benefit from access to system‑wide resources, evidence‑based practice standards, continuing education, and career growth opportunities, while still enjoying the culture of a community hospital where teamwork and relationships matter. The Occupational Therapist (OT) in the acute care hospital setting evaluates and treats patients experiencing functional limitations due to acute illness, injury, surgery, or exacerbation of chronic conditions. The OT focuses on promoting independence and safety in activities of daily living (ADLs), functional mobility, cognition, and upper extremity function while collaborating closely with the interdisciplinary healthcare team to support optimal patient outcomes and discharge planning. The Key Responsibilities include:
- Evaluate patients’ functional performance in areas including ADLs, instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), cognition, vision, perception, upper extremity function, and psychosocial status.
- Develop and implement individualized, goal‑directed treatment plans based on patient needs, medical status, and anticipated discharge environment.
- Provide skilled occupational therapy interventions to improve independence, safety, energy conservation, and functional mobility.
- Assess need for adaptive equipment, splinting, or positioning devices and provide training in their use.
- Educate patients and caregivers on safe mobility, self‑care strategies, and compensatory techniques.
- Reassess patients regularly and modify interventions in response to medical or functional changes.
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, care conferences, and discharge planning.
- Communicate treatment plans, progress, and discharge recommendations with physicians, nurses, case managers, social workers, and therapy colleagues.
- Recommend post‑acute therapy needs and appropriate levels of care (e.g., inpatient rehab, SNF, home care).
- Complete timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory standards.
- Maintain productivity expectations while ensuring high‑quality patient care.
- Adhere to infection control, safety, and ethical practice standards.
- Maintain required licensure, certifications, and clinical competencies.
- Participate in continuing education, department meetings, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Supervise occupational therapy assistants (COTAs), students, or support staff as applicable.
