Occupational Therapist

County of Tulare; California; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The County of Tulare’s Health & Human Services Agency is seeking an Occupational Therapist for the California Children’s Services program serving birth to 21 with neurologic or physical impairments in school settings across Tulare County.

Responsibilities include evaluating therapy needs, developing family-centered plans, coordinating with physicians and school staff, and supporting ADLs. California licensure is required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college or university and completion of an approved Occupational Therapy program.
• Possession of a valid license to practice as an occupational therapist in California.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and develop therapy programs for children and young adults with physical disabilities.
• Establishes OT treatment plans with functional goals and measurable objectives based on evaluations and observations, incorporating family-centered care.
• Provides OT treatment to improve the child's and family's ability to perform activities of daily living as prescribed by the physician.
• Identifies needs and recommends rehabilitation equipment and splinting; fabricates custom hand splints if needed.
• Manages caseload to ensure efficient care aligned with CCS productivity guidelines; documents evaluations and treatments.
• Consults with school personnel, equipment and orthotic providers, and social service workers.

Skills

Occupational Therapy

Pediatric Therapy

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

Job description

The Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) is currently recruiting for an Occupational Therapist to join the California Children’s Services program. The program is under the Public Health branch, which utilizes therapist staff to provide occupational and/or physical therapy services for neurologically and/or physically impaired clients from birth to 21 years of age. This recruitment will establish an employment list to fill immediate and future vacancies throughout Tulare County’s Public Health branch.

The Occupational Therapist confers with the physician and/or senior therapist to determine types of treatment required in each case; adapts games, arts, and crafts as therapeutic treatment; teaches self-care and functional activities; assists parents in understanding and handling children with chronic orthopedic and neuromuscular conditions; and maximizes the level of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) skills of the client. California Children’s Services Medical Therapy program sites are located in local public schools.

Candidates accepting one of these positions may qualify to apply for a loan repayment of up to $25,000 for a twenty-four (24) month work commitment. For more information on the loan repayment program, visit https://hcai.ca.gov/workforce/financial-assistance/loan-repayment/aphlrp/.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and develop therapy programs for children and young adults with physical disabilities who have medically eligible conditions.
• Establishes occupational therapy treatment plans with functional goals and measurable objectives based upon evaluations and clinical observations, incorporating the concepts of family-centered care into the plan.
• Provides occupational therapy treatment directed toward improving the child’s and/or family’s abilities to perform activities of daily living as prescribed by the child’s physician.
• Identifies needs and makes recommendations re: appropriate rehabilitation equipment and bracing/splinting and ensures proper function and fit. May also fabricate custom hand splints.
• Manages caseload to ensure care is being provided efficiently and is in line with CCS productivity recommendations for scheduled treatment time. Documents evaluation and treatment according to therapy policies and procedures.
• Confers and consults with other providers involved with child’s care, including but not limited to school personnel, equipment and orthotic providers, and social service workers.

Required Qualifications

Candidates must meet the qualifications listed below by the application deadline.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university and completion of an approved course in Occupational Therapy.
• Possession of a valid license to practice as an occupational therapist in the State of California.

Desirable Qualifications

• Fabricate and apply splints as prescribed.
• Attend appropriate clinics, management meetings, and case conferences to discuss clients’ status.
• Make home or school visits as needed for consultation services.
• Identify needs and make recommendations regarding appropriate rehabilitation equipment and ensure proper function and fit.

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates selected will be required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening. Additionally, a background investigation may also be conducted, which may include a re-investigation every 10 years for some positions. An Employment Eligibility Verification using E-Verify may be required on the first day of employment for some positions. Some job classes may also require a physical exam.
• If in a driving position, candidates must be able to obtain and retain a valid California driver's license.

Student Loan Forgiveness

• This is a qualifying position for student loan forgiveness through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act (CCRAA). Only student loan payments made after October 1, 2007, and in a qualified repayment plan are eligible. For more information, you are encouraged to speak with your student loan servicer or visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation.

**PLEASE NOTE: ONLY COMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED**

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