Occupational Therapist, Home Health (Per Diem/Days)

Occupational Therapist I (OT) independently performs assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of therapeutic care for patients with overt and covert needs and/or complications of treatment, for the adolescent, adult, and/or geriatric patient with focus on Activities of Daily Living and rehabilitation. This role also provides education to patients, appropriate family members and caregivers in order to restore patients' functional independence and reduce or prevent long term disability. Assists the patients to reach their maximum potential through coordination of care in a multi-disciplinary team setting. Coordinates the care and is responsible for management of the patient's case with other disciplines and implements specific programs related to Occupational Therapy under the general direction of the Home Health Rehab Manager.

ALL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS will render professional occupational therapy care to patients and supportive medical care as direct by physicians. This position requires the full understanding and active participation in fulfilling the Mission of CHW/Dominican Hospital. It is expected that the employee will demonstrate behavior consistent with the CoreValues. The OT shall support CHW/Dominican Hospital's strategic plan and the goals and direction of the quality improvement / process improvement activities and patient satisfaction.

The Occupational Therapist (OT) plans, organizes and directs home care services and is experienced in therapeutic practices, with emphasis on community home health education/ experience. The professional therapist builds from the resources of the community to plan and direct services to meet the needs of individual and families within their home and communities. The therapist acts as a facilitator, coordinator, advocate, educator, and skilled caregiver for clients and families. The Occupational Therapist develops a specific OT plan of care and revises the plan of care, through continual reassessment of client/family needs, client history, diagnosis, physician orders, excepted outcomes, and client goals. Initiates appropriate preventative and rehabilitative therapeutic procedures, provides direct therapy treatments, formulates and implements appropriate teaching plans, and communicates significant clinical findings and changes in status to the physician and other involved personnel.

Special Training/ Requirements: (including license):

* Current and valid California Occupational Therapy license

* Current CPR certification

* Current valid driver's license, a reliable automobile and proof of current automobile insurance

Experience: (minimum, plus desired):

* Minimum of two years of experience as a Occupational Therapist in physical disabilities setting, preferably in acute care, acute rehabilitation or home health

* Knowledge of occupational therapy theory, treatment, and evaluation

* Previous home health experience preferred.

* Must be an experienced computer user

Position Responsibilities: The OT is knowledgeable regarding the services provided by the agency, the principles of homecare and the patient population served by the agency. The OT is knowledgeable regarding Title 22 regulations, Medicare Conditions of Participation and Joint Commission standards. OTs must be able to effectively apply critical thinking and therapy skills to a wide range of medical and surgical patients independently in the home (under minimal office supervision). OTs must be able to identify and apply therapy care and treatments appropriate to the specific patient age groups served. The OT is proficient in using the OASIS Assessment tool for on-going patient evaluations. The OT is responsible for supporting efforts to improve clinical and service excellence of patient care provided. The OT will participate in the achievement of service targets and process goals. The OT will participate in clinical record review and process/ quality improvement activities. The OT is knowledgeable regarding the qualifications of other agency staff and the scope of care and service they can provide in order to make appropriate referrals and coordinate care.

Dominican Hospital (a member of Dignity Health) is a 288-bed facility that offers a wide range of services to residents of California's Central Coast. With 24/7 emergency care and some of the most technologically advanced diagnostic equipment on the Central Coast, we continue to lead the region in medical innovation and excellence in healthcare.

Santa Cruz is the quintessential beach town. Here, you enjoy life among the most beautiful coastal beaches and redwood forests of California. It was here that Hawaiian royalty first introduced surfing to the mainland--and locals and visitors alike have been riding the waves ever since. Not far from the surf break, music and laughter fill the air at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, the West Coast's only remaining seaside amusement park. A few blocks from the beach is Santa Cruz's newly renovated downtown. The pedestrian-friendly, tree-lined streets are filled with vibrant shops and galleries, outdoor bistros and sidewalk musicians--all in keeping with Surf City's offbeat personality. At Dominican Hospital, you can truly change people's lives while living yours with a strong sense of meaning and finding that much-needed balance you deserve.

Dignity Health, one of the nation's five largest health care systems, is a 17-state network of more than 300 care centers, including hospitals, urgent and occupational care, imaging centers, home health, and primary care clinics. Headquartered in San Francisco, Dignity Health is dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality and affordable patient-centered care with special attention to the poor and underserved. In 2012, Dignity Health provided $1.6 billion in charitable care and services.