CCS Occupational Therapist I/II (Extra Help)

Extra Help Occupational Therapist I/II

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department is looking for a compassionate Occupational Therapist to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special healthcare needs! We are currently accepting applications to fill one (1) Extra-Help CCS Occupational Therapist I/II in Lompoc on the California Children's Services (CCS) team.

An extra help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. These positions are exempt from the Provisions of the Civil Service Rules.

Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future Extra-Help vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.

Benefits will be offered once EXH employees reach Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility.

About the position:

Under general supervision provides occupational therapy evaluation and treatment services to children with physical disabilities in California Children's Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Program; and performs related duties as required.

CCS Occupational Therapist I/II is a flexibly staffed series. CCS Occupational Therapist I is the professional entry-level class for occupational therapists. Incumbents work under general supervision in assigned Medical Therapy Units and perform a wide variety of occupational therapy treatments. CCS Occupational Therapist II is the fully qualified, journey-level occupational therapist who, under direction, performs the more difficult occupational therapy treatments utilizing advanced therapeutic techniques and specialized treatment equipment and provides profession-specific training to staff and therapy interns.

Candidates may be appointed at the CCS Occupational Therapist I or II level, depending on the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the department. The ideal candidate will possess:

• Experience providing occupational therapy to children with disabilities.
• A passion for working with children, including engaging with them at their level during therapy sessions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with patients, families, teachers, caregivers, physicians, and the CCS team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong follow-up skills to ensure continuity of care.

The ability to work independently while maintaining a high standard of care.

About the program:

California Children's Services (CCS): The CCS program provides diagnostic and treatment services, medical case management, and physical and occupational therapy services to children under age 21 with CCS-eligible medical conditions. CCS is administered as a partnership between county health departments and the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). This position is part of the Medical Therapy Program (MTP), which provides physical and occupational therapy to children with certain physical (neuromuscular or orthopedic) conditions or diseases. These services are provided free of charge in special locations (Medical Therapy Units) associated with schools. In addition, consultation may occur in the classroom and home.

Examples of duties:

1. Evaluates functional capabilities of infants, children, and adolescents with physical disabilities using appropriate assessment tools; establishes occupational therapy treatment goals and plans of service; submits written goals and plans of service to CCS paneled physician for approval and prescription for treatment; selects occupational therapy treatment techniques; constructs and/or recommends the purchase of adaptive equipment; and administers occupational therapy to patients.
2. Assists with Medical Therapy Unit specialty clinic planning and organization and presents patients, case histories, and treatment updates to clinic physicians.
3. Prepares written evaluation reports, medical chart notes documenting services provided and patient response, and Patient Treatment Records for statistical and medical billing purposes.
4. Instructs patients, parents, caregivers and educational providers on proper handling techniques and use of medical equipment to reinforce therapy treatment goals.
5. Directs the therapy services provided by paraprofessional staff.
6. Makes presentations to orient community agencies and groups to CCS Medical Therapy Services.

Employment standards:

Possession of a valid license as an Occupational Therapist issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy AND certification as an Occupational Therapist by the National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Applicants may be hired without the certification(s) provided they meet the minimum qualifications required to obtain an Occupational Therapy Limited Permit issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy and acquire their Certificate of Registration as an Occupational Therapist with the National Board for Certification within four months of their hire date.

Additional qualifications: Independent travel will be required. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required. Knowledge of: concepts, scope, principles, and practices of occupational therapy services; normal and abnormal growth and development of children; human anatomy and physiology, including all systems of the body with emphasis on musculoskeletal and nervous systems; pathophysiological conditions resulting from injury and disease; psychosocial reactions to illness and disease; special medical problems of high-risk infants; standard occupational therapy assessment tools and tests; self-care and daily living skills needed by patients for maximum independent living; standard occupational therapy documentation format and requirements; durable medical equipment, adaptive aids, and orthopedic devices used in pediatric rehabilitation treatment; professional ethics and conduct; and medical-legal aspects of occupational therapy services.

Ability to: evaluate the functional capabilities of children with a variety of disabling conditions; interpret assessment results; develop treatment plans; construct splints or adaptive equipment; teach the use of orthopedic devices and adaptive equipment; explain treatment techniques, equipment, and programs to persons with varying degrees of technical understanding; establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, their families, care givers, and other medical and educational staff; work as part of interdisciplinary team; act effectively in medical emergencies; collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations; keep accurate records; and use clear and concise language in written and oral communications.