Occupational Therapist - Safe Patient Handling Program Manager

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Occupational Therapist, Program Coordinator executes leadership characterized by managing the Safe Patient Handling Program based on the requirements of VHA Directive 1611, covering all medical facilities and clinics within the Sheridan healthcare system. This is characterized by substantial and continuous responsibility and accountability for the program, which crosses the lines of all services and disciplines that influence the organizational healthcare mission.

• Participates in planning, design, & construction phases of all projects so that all projects in spaces Veterans use. Completes, leads, and updates ergonomic assessments to implement appropriate SPHM technology to prevent hazards identified across all areas that provide patient care. Performs comprehensive rounding throughout the VA medical facility using the SPHM template within the Performance Logic Application to monitor facility performance measures. Investigates employee & patient safety & health incidents related to patient handling, providing recommendations & tracking these injuries by unit, area, hospital-wide, & across the continuum, in collaboration with the worker's compensation program personnel, facility safety, OSHA record keeper, & facility patient safety manager. Ensures that patients are screened before mobilization & that methods chosen for mobility are safe, effective, & appropriate for individual needs across the continuum of care. Selects & coordinates the acquisition of SPHM-related equipment & supplies with appropriate stakeholders within the healthcare system across the continuum. Establishes & maintains highly effective relationships at all levels of the organization, working in collaboration with VA medical facility stakeholders on resource availability for programmatic support. This collaborative approach ensures that the SPHM Program Coordinator evaluates SPHM staffing methodology/equivalency needs by submitting annually to the National SPHM Program Office. Provides expertise to all individuals & workgroups that handle & mobilize patients or provide or approve patient equipment. This collaboration with the SPHM Program Coordinator ensures that everyone feels confident & competent in their role in program sustainment. Monitors VA medical facility compliance with Directive 1611 & initiates appropriate corrective action if non-compliance is identified. As determined by the facility director, report to the VA medical facility committee at least twice yearly. Establishes procedures delineating local responsibilities related to local VA medical facility SPHM program alignment, implementation, & sustainment. Makes decisions that affect staff & other resources with a wide latitude of control. Uses independent judgment to evaluate, plan, & direct the SPHM program to ensure proper coordination of care with the local facility inclusive of regional/national stakeholders such as The Joint Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), & the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations as appropriate. Communicates with transparency, clarity, & integrity while providing opportunities & resources for the VA facility to schedule, providing employees with SPHM education & training, & maintaining competence for all personnel directly involved with handling & mobility of Veterans. Completes initial & ongoing education, hands-on practice, & competency assessment to manage the VA medical facility SPHM program. This education & competency assessment may include VA facility-funded site visits or in-person conferences to acquire hands-on SPHM handling & mobility skills. Ensures a process is in place for new VA medical facility employees to participate in SPHM orientation. Ensures VHA employees receive ongoing education or competency/proficiency evaluation to maintain competence in their roles and responsibilities. Leads & mentors SPHM unit/service peer leaders on all shifts in all areas that provide patient care to train staff and recognize hazards at the unit or service level. Trains SPHM peer leaders at least once per year, providing training resources & references & periodic opportunities for interaction. Translates evidence into practice throughout the organization. Collaborates with all services throughout the continuum as appropriate to lead, coordinate, & monitor a comprehensive SPHM program that meets the performance criteria. Sustains relationships at the levels to advance SPHM strategic action plans. Advances one's knowledge through the continual application of evidence ­based research. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 - 4:00pm (some evening hours for training may be required) Telework: Not available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 61477-0 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized.

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