Darius Smith
Poplar Grove,US
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Occupational Therapist with extensive hands-on clinical experience in outpatient and orthopedic settings. Strong commitment to patient-centered care, meticulous progress documentation, and effective interdisciplinary collaboration. Eager to leverage therapeutic knowledge, adaptability, and empathy to enhance patient outcomes in a dynamic healthcare environment. Proven ability to connect with patients and foster a supportive atmosphere conducive to healing and recovery.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Home Health Occupational Therapist
InHome Therapy
Rockford, IL
10.2025 - Current
- Delivered personalized occupational therapy interventions to enhance patient independence and quality of life.
- Evaluated patients' needs through thorough assessments, developing tailored treatment plans for optimal recovery.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate care, improving patient outcomes and rehabilitation strategies.
- Educated patients and families on therapeutic techniques and adaptive equipment for effective home use.
- Documented patient progress accurately, ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting continuity of care.
- Implemented evidence-based practices in therapy sessions, achieving significant improvements in functional performance.
- Fostered trusting relationships with patients, creating a supportive environment that encouraged active participation in therapy.
- Conducted regular follow-ups to reassess goals, facilitating timely adjustments to treatment plans as needed.
- Developed training materials for caregivers on best practices in supporting patients' daily living activities.
School-Based Occupational Therapist
Northwestern Illinois Association
Rockford, IL
08.2025 - Current
- Determined best treatment plans to meet objectives for school, work, and home life.
- Performed evaluations and assessments to recommend best treatment for individual patients.
- Recommended equipment to use in-home to maximize opportunities for wellness.
- Performed assessments during treatment to determine progress according to goals.
- Established compassionate and caring relationships with patients.
Server
Texas Roadhouse
Rockford, IL
06.2021 - Current
- Deliver exceptional service in a busy dining setting, ensuring guest satisfaction and safety.
- Accurately take and serve orders, maintaining high customer satisfaction and cleanliness.
- Follow safety and sanitation protocols, contributing to a clean and safe dining experience.
- Coordinated with kitchen staff to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment, improving team efficiency and service quality.
- Monitored guest feedback to identify service improvement areas, leading to substantial enhancements in dining experiences.
Occupational Therapy Student, Level II Fieldwork
Mercyhealth - Javon Bea Hospital
Rockford, IL
09.2024 - 12.2025
- Assisted patients in therapeutic exercises, enhancing recovery times and patient satisfaction.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop personalized care plans.
- Conducted assessments to identify patient needs, improving treatment accuracy.
- Implemented innovative therapy techniques, resulting in improved patient outcomes.
- Documented patient progress, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Assisted patients in therapeutic exercises, promoting independence and enhancing overall functionality in daily activities.
- Implemented personalized treatment plans, achieving measurable improvements in patient recovery times and satisfaction levels.
- Evaluated patient progress through systematic assessments, enabling data-driven adjustments to therapy interventions for optimal outcomes.
- Engaged with patients to build rapport, ensuring a positive therapeutic environment that encouraged active participation in recovery.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to devise tailored care plans, fostering shared responsibility and improved patient outcomes.
Occupational Therapy Student, Level II Fieldwork
Northern Illinois Association
Belvidere, IL
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Assisted in patient care plans, enhancing therapy outcomes through tailored interventions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to improve patient rehabilitation strategies.
- Conducted detailed assessments, identifying key areas for therapeutic focus.
- Documented patient progress, ensuring accurate records for continued care.
- Utilized evidence-based practices to achieve measurable improvements in patient mobility.
- Conducted assessments to identify client needs, enabling targeted therapy solutions and measurable progress in rehabilitation goals.
- Engaged with clients positively, building rapport and encouraging participation in therapy sessions.
Clinical Intern
Parkview Orthopedic Group
Palos Heights, IL
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Performed comprehensive physical exams and reviewed medical histories.
- Diagnosed movement dysfunction and developed individualized treatment plans.
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and ensured HIPAA compliance.
- Educated patients on the use of mobility aids and adaptive equipment.
- Maintained clean and organized therapy areas following safety standards.
Youth Sports Coach
Playpen Sports Academy
Janesville, WI
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Instructed young athletes in fundamental sports skills and promoted teamwork.
- Fostered a positive, inclusive, and energetic environment.
- Communicated effectively with both children and parents.
Intern
Summit Physical Therapy
Cleveland, TN
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Utilized empathy and active listening to support clients' therapy journeys.
- Maintained clinical documentation including goals and progress notes.
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Assisted with the planning and delivery of therapy sessions.
Crew Member – Customer Service
McDonald's
Dalton, GA
03.2016 - 12.2020
- Provided efficient service and maintained quality standards.
- Handled food preparation, order accuracy, and customer interactions.
- Gained experience in multitasking and effective team communication.
Education
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Chicago State University
Chicago, IL05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Alderson Broaddus University
Philippi, WV05-2021
Skills
- Documentation
- Mobility Aid Instruction
- Interpersonal Communication
- Time Management
- Clinical Safety
- HIPAA Compliance
- Team Collaboration
- Functional testing
- Fine motor skills
- Documentation and reporting
- Care documentation
- Gross motor skills
- Adaptive equipment training
- Home modifications
- Treatment Planning
- Activities of daily living
- Handwriting intervention
- Upper extremity strengthening
- Range of motion exercises
- Instrumental activities of daily living
- Therapeutic retraining
- Energy conservation techniques
- Functional assessment
- Fall prevention
- Caregiver training
- Teamwork and collaboration
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
- Clinical Intern - Parkview Orthopedic Group
- Performed comprehensive physical exams and reviewed medical histories
- Diagnosed movement dysfunction and developed individualized treatment plans
- Maintained accurate clinical documentation and ensured HIPAA compliance
- Educated patients on the use of mobility aids and adaptive equipment
- Maintained clean and organized therapy areas following safety standards
- Intern - Summit Physical Therapy
- Utilized empathy and active listening to support clients' therapy journeys
- Maintained clinical documentation including goals and progress notes
- Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to optimize treatment outcomes
- Assisted with the planning and delivery of therapy sessions
Timeline
Home Health Occupational Therapist
InHome Therapy
10.2025 - Current
School-Based Occupational Therapist
Northwestern Illinois Association
08.2025 - Current
Occupational Therapy Student, Level II Fieldwork
Northern Illinois Association
01.2025 - 04.2025
Occupational Therapy Student, Level II Fieldwork
Mercyhealth - Javon Bea Hospital
09.2024 - 12.2025
Clinical Intern
Parkview Orthopedic Group
09.2023 - 01.2024
Youth Sports Coach
Playpen Sports Academy
07.2023 - 08.2023
Server
Texas Roadhouse
06.2021 - Current
Intern
Summit Physical Therapy
06.2020 - 12.2020
Crew Member – Customer Service
McDonald's
03.2016 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Alderson Broaddus University
Master of Science - Occupational Therapy
Chicago State University