Occupational Therapist - (Open Until Filled)

Occupational Therapist Under direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and administers occupational therapy services for eligible patients for a medical unit/program operated by the Department of Public Health; performs and plans occupational therapy treatments; consults with physicians and supervisors and determines treatment plans; instructs patients and caregivers on appropriate exercises and activities; coordinates, teaches, and supervises functional exercises; and performs related duties as assigned. Supervision received and exercised: Receives direction from assigned management or supervisory personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Examples Of DutiesThe job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law. Plans, organizes, and administers occupational therapy for patients with neurological or physical disabilities. Assists the physician with patient assessment by interviewing and evaluating the patient's physical condition; administers appropriate tests, including muscle, sensory, reflex, developmental, motor, and functional abilities. Reviews clinical records and/or referrals to develop individual treatment programs based on goals and objectives; observes, evaluates and records patient's treatment, reactions, and progress in a clinical record; reports changes in status to physicians and modifies treatment plan in response to changes in patient's condition. Administers active, passive, and resistive therapeutic exercises; instructs patients and caregivers regarding exercises and other activities which are to be continued in the home. Teaches self-care activities with or without the use of adapted devices; instructs clients, family, and caregivers regarding home exercise programs and equipment needs, and on care and use of equipment. Fabricates and applies splints as indicated; assists in inventory and preparation of ordering therapeutic splinting materials supplies and Aids for Daily Living equipment. Adapt games, arts and crafts, and other enriching activities as therapeutic treatment. Attends appropriate and related clinics, meetings, and conferences to discuss patient status and as requested. May assist in training therapy assistants, coordinating and monitoring the workflow of assigned staff and/or students administering occupational therapy treatment programs; ensures that work is completed on time and is consistent with the work quality standards. Maintains records and prepares written reports as required; completes quality improvement audits and provides feedback; assists in the maintenance of program clerical administration, equipment, and supplies. Observes and complies with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Performs related duties as assigned. Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Therapeutic principles, techniques and equipment used in occupational and pediatric occupational therapy, anatomy, physiology, and basic pathology involved in diseases, syndromes or injuries resulting in physical, neurological, or mental disabilities. Kinesiology and modalities. Treatments directed toward the range of joint motions. Increasing muscle strength and assisting coordination of movements. Accepted and effective methods, goals, and objectives of therapy interventions. Current research in new treatment modalities and equipment design. Designing and constructing splints and adaptive equipment. Development, design, and construction as well as the use and care of orthopedic appliances and special equipment. Principles of providing functional direction and training. Physical and psychological problems of therapy patients and impacts on the family. Social determinants of health. Impacts of socioeconomic and cultural differences in public health. Principles of health equity as it applies to public health practice. Preparing a variety of documents and educational materials. Safety procedures and use of personal protective equipment. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances relevant to the area(s) of responsibility. Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff. The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed. Ability to: Understand the functions and operations of California Children's Services Medical Therapy unit and related operations. Plan, organize, and conduct therapy treatment programs. Explain and interpret goals, objectives and methods to patients, caregivers, and family members. Adapt various functions to the therapeutic requirements of individual patients. Understand and interpret physician's orders. Demonstrate strong ethics. Exercise independent judgment and monitor the quality of own practice. Prepare and maintain case records and other documents and files. Follow and efficiently adapt to current and changing program policies, procedures, software, and forms. Recognize and respect the impact of cultural differences on health care practices. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. Effectively provide staff leadership, training, and work direction. Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of assigned staff and/or students. Effectively represent the department and the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to the work performed. Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax. Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.