Susan Walker
Niskayuna,NY
Summary
Accomplished Occupational Therapist offering a diverse background and years of successful experience coordinating effective treatment plans and helping a wide array of clients reach their maximum potential of independence. Continually achieving high levels of productivity and efficiency through flexible planning, prioritizing, and multitasking. Consistently recognized as a team player and providing total commitment to colleagues, clients, and the organization as a whole.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School-Based Occupational Therapist
Supplemental Healthcare Company
Queensbury, NY
08.2022 - Current
- Provides tailored occupational therapy services for children and youth according to their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Prepares daily treatment plans and delivers skilled occupational therapy services to students.
- Performs evaluations on school-age children using a combination of clinical observations, parent/teacher consultations, and standardized assessment tools.
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams for optimal student success and growth in their educational journey.
- Works closely with special education teachers as needed, integrating therapeutic strategies into lesson plans for a cohesive approach to learning support services.
- Writes professional annual reports for school age children.
- Participates in team meetings and annual review meetings.
- Consults with family members, teachers, and other professionals on the team.
- Promotes inclusive learning environments by providing resources and support to teachers and staff members.
Occupational Therapist
Living Resources/Marquis Home Care Agency
Albany, NY
03.2017 - 08.2022
- Case managed 10-15 patients in collaboration with medical professionals, healthcare teams, and external agencies.
- Coordinated patient and caregiver education, ensuring effective communication and proper understanding of treatment plans and home care management.
- Developed and revised care plans in consultation with physicians and other care team members, ensuring comprehensive and tailored treatment for each patient.
- Provided family-oriented services for patients with various impairments, such as neurological, musculoskeletal, orthopedic, cardio-pulmonary, fine motor, sensory motor, and developmental delays, as well as traumatic injuries.
- Educated patients and families on the safe and proper use of adaptive equipment and home modifications, optimizing patient comfort and safety.
- Demonstrated strong communication skills, effectively interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and varying educational levels.
- Supervised home health aides in implementing care plans, ensuring consistent and high-quality home healthcare services for patients.
Occupational Therapist
Visiting Nurse Association of Albany
Albany, NY
09.2014 - 03.2017
- Provided occupational therapy services to 10-20 clients per week according to their plan of care, targeting physical and psychosocial dysfunctions to help them achieve optimal independence, self-care, and productivity.
- Delivered occupational therapy services under the direction of authorized medical practitioners, focusing on patient care, disease prevention, safety, and health conservation for individuals and families.
- Fostered coordination and effective management of client care services by collaborating with interdisciplinary teams of healthcare professionals.
- Coordinated care for clients with home health aides, participating in case conferences and establishing aide plans of care, making revisions as necessary.
- Served as a consultant, instructing and demonstrating therapy techniques to clients, family members, nurses, and home health aides, ensuring comprehensive understanding and application of occupational therapy interventions.
School-Based Occupational Therapist
Advanced Therapy
Albany, NY
08.2013 - 08.2014
- Supervised and managed a team of 3 certified occupational therapy assistants across 2 school districts, while maintaining a caseload of 10 students.
- Collaborated with assistants regularly to develop successful, functionally-based treatment plans and strategies, ensuring comprehensive and effective care for students.
- Delegated responsibilities and mentored assistants, fostering their professional development and growth within the occupational therapy field.
- Streamlined assessment processes by utilizing standardized measures and efficient screening tools, improving overall efficiency within the school districts.
- Contributed to organizational objectives by identifying and addressing challenges through effective communication and collaboration with therapists, teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrative staff.
Staff Occupational Therapist
Kaleida Health/Degraff Skilled Nursing Facility
North Tonawanda, NY
01.2011 - 07.2013
- Utilized various assessment tools to determine sensory processing, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and psychosocial factors affecting patients' occupational performance.
- Conducted thorough evaluations to identify specific occupational performance deficits, establishing appropriate treatment goals accordingly.
- Developed strong rapport with patients from diverse backgrounds, fostering a supportive and inclusive therapeutic environment conducive to progress.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive rehabilitation programs for patients, improving overall functioning and quality of life.
- Increased patient satisfaction by providing compassionate care and clear communication regarding therapy goals and progress.
- Conducted screens and quarterly assessments of long-term care residents to restore their optimum physical function and prevent further decline.
Early Intervention Occupational Therapist
CompCare Therapeutics
Bergen/ Hudson Counties, NJ
09.2008 - 01.2010
- Assessed infants and young children with developmental delays or disabilities, created personalized treatment plans to enhance their skills, and collaborated with families and interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care.
- Maintained accurate documentation, participated in team meetings, and advocated for the child and their family, provided resources and referrals as needed.
Education
BS/MS, Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY05.2003
BS, Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
State University of NY
Brockport, NY05.1994
Skills
- Clinical Reasoning
- Screening & Assessment
- Functional Mobility
- Planning & Scheduling
- Therapeutic Procedures
- EMR/HER
- Time Management
- Confidentiality
- Activities of Daily Living
- Environment Modifications
- Documentation Skills
- Patient Advocacy
- Self-Care Skills
- Sensory Integration
- Adaptive Equipment
- Case Management
- Infection Control
- Activity analysis
- Play-Based Therapy
- Fine Motor Skills
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Family and patient education
- Therapeutic Techniques
- Intervention Planning
Certification
- NBCOT Certification
- NYS OT License #012775-1
- CPR/BLS Certification for Healthcare Providers
Occupation
Occupational Therapist
Personal Information
Title: MS, OTR/L
Affiliations
- New York State Occupational Therapy Association
Timeline
School-Based Occupational Therapist
Supplemental Healthcare Company
08.2022 - Current
Occupational Therapist
Living Resources/Marquis Home Care Agency
03.2017 - 08.2022
Occupational Therapist
Visiting Nurse Association of Albany
09.2014 - 03.2017
School-Based Occupational Therapist
Advanced Therapy
08.2013 - 08.2014
Staff Occupational Therapist
Kaleida Health/Degraff Skilled Nursing Facility
01.2011 - 07.2013
Early Intervention Occupational Therapist
CompCare Therapeutics
09.2008 - 01.2010
BS/MS, Occupational Therapy - Occupational Therapy
D'Youville College
BS, Criminal Justice - Criminal Justice
State University of NY