Occupational Therapist Full-Time

(Kern River Transitional Care) Bakersfieldidence Opco, LLC; United States; On-site; USD 135,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

PACS is seeking a Staff Occupational Therapist to join Kern River Transitional Care in Bakersfield, CA. This full-time position offers a competitive $65–$75/hour compensation and reports to the Director of Rehabilitation. OT will evaluate residents, develop and adjust treatment plans, supervise staff, and ensure accurate electronic documentation. The role includes education for staff and families and active discharge planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy required.
• Current, active California OT license required.
• Master’s or Doctorate preferred.
• Experience in skilled nursing or post-acute care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate residents within 24 hours of referral and document the rationale for any delay.
• Develop treatment plans and obtain physician approval for therapy services.
• Provide OT treatments per physician orders and plans of care.
• Supervise COTAs, aides, and students per state practice acts.
• Assist nursing with Restorative Aide training and discharge planning.
• Maintain documentation in electronic systems (Casamba, PCC).
• Educate residents, families, and staff on maintenance and caregiver training for discharge.

Skills

Documentation

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Patient communication

Education/training

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

Master's or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

California OT license

Tools

Casamba

PointClickCare

Job description

Job Title: Occupational Therapist (OT) Status: Full-Time Location: Kern River Transitional Care – Bakersfield, CA Salary Range: $65.00 – $75.00 per hour (BOE) Reports To: Director of Rehabilitation

The Staff Occupational Therapist evaluates and treats residents, communicates with families, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members, and maintains accurate documentation of therapy services in the medical record. The Occupational Therapist also provides ongoing in-service education and training to facility staff to support resident outcomes and regulatory compliance.

Essential Functions Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position. However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties required. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or an essential function of the position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate residents within twenty-four (24) hours or one (1) business day of physician referral; document reasons for any delay
• Develop effective treatment plans and obtain physician approval for therapy services
• Provide occupational therapy treatments in accordance with physician orders and established plans of care
• Supervise Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), aides, and students in accordance with state practice acts
• Assist the nursing department with training of Restorative Aides
• Communicate with supervisors and interdisciplinary team members regarding resident progress, problems, and treatment plans
• Participate in Patient Care Conferences, Utilization Review meetings, and Rehabilitation Conferences as required
• Participate in facility in-service training programs
• Complete evaluations, daily treatment notes, weekly progress notes, and recertification documentation in compliance with state regulations and payer requirements
• Record treatment changes per facility policy and procedures
• Educate residents, families, and nursing staff on maintenance programs and caregiver training to prepare for discharge
• Participate in discharge planning
• Recommend and facilitate ordering of durable medical equipment to promote resident independence (e.g., braces, walkers, canes, grab bars, elevated toilet seats)
• Report equipment issues promptly to ensure proper maintenance and safety
• Maintain professional, positive, and effective relationships with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues

Supervisory Requirements

This position supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), aides, and students.

Qualifications

• Education and/or Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy required
• Master’s or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy preferred
• Skilled nursing or post-acute care experience preferred
• Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations
• Current, active Occupational Therapist license in the State of California
• Must meet all continuing education requirements
• Must maintain license in good standing with the state licensing board at all times

Computer Skills

Proficient in electronic documentation systems such as Casamba and PointClickCare

Skills and Abilities

• Language Skills: Ability to read technical procedures and policy manuals; Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, residents, and families
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations
• Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems; Ability to interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-based instructions

Physical Demands

The essential functions of this position require the ability to: Stand and/or walk very frequently Sit occasionally Reach with hands and arms frequently; push and pull very frequently Talk and hear very frequently Taste and/or smell very frequently Exert over 100 pounds of force occasionally, over 50 pounds frequently, and over 20 pounds constantly Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl occasionally Possess close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception with the ability to adjust focus

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Noise levels are typically low to moderate.

Additional Information

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. The statements above describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

PACS is revolutionizing the delivery and leadership of post-acute healthcare and support services across the country. Originally founded in 2013, the organization now consists of hundreds of independent operating subsidiaries, as well as ancillary and support services. We bring a proven model of mission-driven care that balances access to a national network of support and resources with local decision making. In addition, PACS helps connect exceptional people with premier healthcare careers across the country. We focus on finding innovative and effective team members based on their qualifications, experience, geographic preferences, and personality fit with the existing facility staff and culture. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applicants of every race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and any other protected characteristic. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.