Occupational Therapist (Contingent) – Marindale Medical Therapy Unit

About the role

The contingent/temporary Occupational Therapist (OT) plans, evaluates, and provides professional services in functional and supportive occupational therapy for physically handicapped children and young adults from birth to 21 years of age. The OT evaluates clients, provides family and caregiver education, and develops and implements treatment plans which include therapeutic activities to promote independence in self-care, play, and motor skills. The OT prepares required reports and home programs and maintains medical records to provide ongoing assessment and documentation of client’s response to treatment in accordance with State standards. The OT collaborates with the California Children’s Services (CCS) rehabilitation team, families, and community partners to provide comprehensive client care. The OT is familiar with splinting, orthotics, and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and is active in the assessment, design, fabrication and/or application of appropriate splinting, orthotics and DME. The OT may provide lead worker direction to a Therapy Aide.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate clients and develop treatment plans
• Provide family and caregiver education
• Prepare required reports and home programs
• Maintain medical records
• Collaborate with CCS rehabilitation team, families, and community partners
• Assess, design, fabricate, and apply appropriate splinting, orthotics, and DME
• Provide lead worker direction to a Therapy Aide

Requirements

• Valid certificate of registration as an Occupational Therapist issued by the California State Board of Occupational Therapy, or ability to obtain such registration within six (6) months of hiring
• Bilingual skills in Spanish and English (highly desirable)

Qualifications

• Knowledge of treatments directed toward facilitating normal postures and movements, inhibiting abnormal reflexes, assisting coordination of movements, and promoting self-care activities.
• Knowledge of adaptations of various activities including, play, games, recreation, and the creative arts as therapeutic exercises.
• Knowledge of skeletal anatomy, kinesiology, and the objectives of occupational therapy treatment.
• Knowledge of physical and psychological rehabilitation and problems of disabled patients and their effects on the ability to function.
• Ability to explain and interpret objectives and methods to patients, parents, and other support systems with tact and understanding.
• Ability to adapt various functions to the therapeutic requirements of patients.
• Ability to cooperate with other professional staff to secure carry-over in the treatment and training of patients.
• Ability to prepare accurate, concise case records.
• Ability to conduct therapy case management with independence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of people and organizations encountered while performing work.

Skills

• Strong experience as an Occupational Therapist working with neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions in the pediatric population.
• Advanced training or certification in areas such as NDT, CHT, Feeding and Swallowing, RESNA-ATP, or any Board Certifications.
• Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze occupational therapy treatment plans, identify problems, and adapt the treatment plans to incorporate innovative and creative solutions.
• Independent thinking and teamwork skills.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Collaboration with the therapy staff, families, and community partners.
• Sensitivity and empathy for the feelings and perspectives of others.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual; 12 holidays per year; and generous sick leave accruals.
• Health Plan: Choice of four health plans (two Kaiser HMOs, Western Health Advantage HMO, and an Anthem Blue Cross PPO) along with dental through Delta Dental PPO, and vision through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
• Retirement: Defined benefit plan under the County Employees Retirement Act of 1937.
• IRS 457 Plan: Choice of pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
• Retiree Medical: The County provides access to group health plan coverage to eligible retirees.