Occupational Therapist I - California Children's Services – Extra Help (Open)

The County of San Mateo California Children's Services (CCS) is seeking one full time Extra-Help Occupational Therapist I to provide a full range of occupational therapy treatments/services to physically disabled children from birth to 21 years in San Mateo County.

This is a unique opportunity to work in a friendly and cooperative team environment based at Medical Therapy Units in San Mateo and San Bruno.  
 
Occupational Therapist I - CCS is the entry level class in the series. Under immediate supervision, incumbents perform the full range of general therapy treatments while developing and learning the skills to apply more advanced and/or specialized treatments. This class is flexibly staffed with Occupational Therapist II, CCS and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency which meet the qualifications of the higher level class.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of 1 year experience providing professional pediatric occupational therapy care.
• Coordinated and monitored caseload database in collaboration with clerical staff.
• Coordinated and authorized therapy services to outside agencies.
• Authorized durable medical equipment.
• Coordinated medical therapy clinics.

Note: This is an extra-help, at-will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Extra-help hours are dependent on the business needs of the department and therefore work hours may vary from week to week. Extra help employees shall not exceed 1,040 hours of work per fiscal year. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Under medical direction, plan and perform occupational therapy for children with physical disabilities.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive treatment to children.
• Administer occupational therapy treatments in accordance with a prescription from the orthopedist, neurologist, pediatrician or physiatrist.
• Provide therapeutic activities to promote independence in self-care, play and motor skills.
• Plan and supervise group activities.
• Design and monitor classroom and home positioning programs and exercise or activity programs.
• Recommend seating, positioning and functional mobility devices and orthotics.
• Design, fabricate and monitor upper extremity orthotics.
• Instruct parents and classroom personnel in the use of upper extremity orthotics and equipment.
• Design and construct, or supervise construction of, specialized equipment.
• Provide expertise regarding therapeutic management during clinic, staff conference, Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings, and parent meetings.
• Provide ongoing assessment and documentation of the child's response to treatment in accordance with state California Children’s Services standards.
• Participate in discharge planning and refer parents to community services.
• Determine need for department and patient-related supplies and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of treatment areas.
• Participate as clinical preceptor in a university affiliated occupational therapy student program.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of occupational therapy.
• Neuroanatomy, kinesiology, psychology and the basic pathology involved in cerebral palsy and other medically eligible conditions.
• Objectives of occupational therapy treatment for children with physical disabilities.
• Family centered therapy.
• Growth and development of children.
• Construction, use and care of orthopedic appliances and equipment.
• Available resources for adaptive equipment and indications for appropriate use.
• Community resources for children with disabilities and their families.

Skill/Ability to:

• Evaluate and develop a treatment plan for children with various disabilities.
• Document findings, progress and recommendations in progress reports and running notes.
• Administer occupational therapy treatments.
• Explain and teach occupational therapy activities to children, parents, health care professionals, local school authorities and other interested persons.
• Instruct others in the use of the home program.
• Analyze situations accurately and implement an effective plan of action.
• Prepare reports and keep records of case histories.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Act as a consultant/trainer for educational and other staff.
• Provide suitable transportation between work sites.
• Lift or assist with lifting children and equipment.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Occupational Therapist I: Graduation from an approved school of occupational therapy.
• Occupational Therapist II: One year of supervised experience in pediatric occupational therapy.

Licensure/Registration:

• Eligibility for or licensure as an Occupational Therapist by the California Board of Occupational Therapy and registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Failure to obtain this licensure and registration within twelve months of employment may result in termination.

Anyone may apply.  If you are interested in being considered for this extra help position the following items must be submitted via e-mail:

• Supplemental Questions
• Resume

Supplemental Questions

1. Please indicate if you are eligible for or you possess licensure as an Occupational Therapist by the Board of Occupational Therapy, and if you are registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
2. Describe the education, training and experience that qualify you for a position as an Occupational Therapist I for California Children's Services. Include specific certificates, and related experience. Be specific.
3. Why are you interested in this position?

Please include the words "Occupational Therapist I - California Children's Services – Extra Help Position" in the subject line of email submission. All submitted materials must be in a Word or PDF format.
 
Please submit the above listed materials via email to: 
Application materials will be reviewed as they are received, and well-qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

NOTE: Applications are NOT accepted online. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submittals that do not include a resume and answers to the questions will not be considered.

Apply immediately. Application materials will be accepted until position is filled. This posting is open on a continuous basis and selection may be made at any time within the process.

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work. 

 

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. 

Analyst: Debbie Kong (01302025) (Occupational Therapist I – California Children's Services F184) Keywords: Therapy, Occupational therapy, mental health, health services, medical therapy unit

Salary : $101,026 - $126,339