Occupational Therapist

CommonSpirit Health; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CommonSpirit Health's Mercy Hospital Bakersfield is seeking an Occupational Therapist to help patients regain independence in daily activities. The role includes evaluating diverse pediatric and NICU patients, creating treatment plans, and coordinating with the care team to maximize functional outcomes.

The position requires CA OT licensure, ability to document thoroughly, and strong teamwork. The hospital emphasizes compassionate, patient-centered care in a high-volume setting.

Qualifications

• Entry level accepted or
• One year pediatric experience in NICU preferred
• CA Occupational Therapist license required

Responsibilities

• Perform evaluations and diagnoses under OT practice standards.
• Develop and implement treatment plans to improve activities of daily living.
• Document progress and outcomes accurately in patient records.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams for patient care.
• Engage patients and caregivers in goals and care plans.
• Coordinate with NICU case management for patient transitions.

Skills

Pediatrics

NICU experience

Rehabilitation

CPR/BLS

Education

CA OT license

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As an Occupational Therapist, you will help patients regain independence and quality of life so they can safely perform daily activities.

Every day you will assess diverse patients (orthopedic, neurological, sensory, cancer recovery, etc.), develop treatment plans, and conduct evaluations/re-evaluations. You will be expected to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, document thoroughly, and provide positive, motivating care to a high volume of patients.

To be successful in this role, you must be flexible, adaptable, exceptionally organized, and a personable, motivating team player.

• Performs evaluations/re-evaluations, discharge summaries progressing patients toward goals and accurately documents results written/electronically on inpatients according to MHB and Occupational Therapy Practice standards.
• Performs appropriate treatment which may include, but not limiter to proper use of modalities and therapeutic procedures to maximize functional skills toward independence with activities of daily living. Uses equipment specific to age and size of patient.
• Maintains a safe environment considering the patient's unique circumstances and risk factors related to age, physical limitations and mental status.
• Selects appropriate treatment methods which include proper modalities and therapeutic procedures. Evaluates patient outcomes and adjusts the patients plan of care appropriately.
• Maintains accurate written/electronic documentation records of patients evaluated and treated, including, but not limited to Progress Notes, Daily Treatment Logs, Daily Charge Slips etc.
• Involves the patient/caregivers in the care/treatment and procedures as appropriate to condition and situation. Explains procedures prior to beginning. Observes care given by patient/caregivers, Provides feedback and further instruction.
• NICU-- Communicates and Coordinates with the CCS case manager for referral to a CCS-paneled provider or CCS Medical Therapy Unit (MTU) for the patient that may require therapy after hospital discharge.

Job Requirements

Required

• Entry level accepted or
• Individuals working in the NICU, one year pediatric experience
• Occupational Therapist: CA
• AHA Basic Life Support - CPR

Preferred

• Completed post Graduate education, or posesses certification or CEU's in Acute care, geriatrics, splinting, hand therapy, orthopaedics, pediatrics, NICU & neurology or any other clinically relevant coursework/seminars.

Where You'll Work

Founded in 1910, Dignity Health - Mercy Hospital is a 229-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Bakersfield, California. Serving nearly 90,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including Level II NICU, cancer care, women’s health, and orthopedics. Additionally, Mercy Hospital Downtown & Mercy Hospital Southwest have been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. They are both Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Centers. Mercy Hospital Downtown offers the only inpatient Oncology Unit in Bakersfield while Mercy Hospital Southwest has the only Obstetric Emergency Department in Bakersfield.

One Community. One Mission. One California