Occupational Therapist I/II California Children's Services (Open & Promotional)

Pediatric Occupational Therapist

California Children's Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Unit (MTU) in the County of San Mateo is seeking pediatric Occupational Therapists who are interested in joining a dynamic, multidisciplinary team providing medical therapy services to children with physical disabilities. We are accepting applications from pediatric Occupational Therapists to fill a Full-Time, Regular position. We offer a collaborative and enriching work environment in which professional growth is encouraged and supported. Candidates must be licensed or eligible for licensure in the state of California and will preferably have at least one year of experience in pediatrics.

Occupational Therapist I, CCS ($51 - $63.78/ Hourly) 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 meets the qualifications of the higher-level class.

Occupational Therapist II, CCS ($57.16 - $71.45/ Hourly) is the experienced journey level class in this series. Incumbents in this class perform the full range of general therapy treatments with a greater degree of independence and proficiency, additionally applying more specialized and advanced therapy treatments. Some individuals may also assist in providing technical advice and training to less experienced staff.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of 1 years' 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.

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.

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

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted five days in advance on this job announcement.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: TBA

Application Screening: TBA

Combined Panel/Departmental Interviews: TBA

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 in order 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. We seek to hire, support and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

HR Contact: Debbie Kong (07152026) (Occupational Therapist II California Children's Services - F185)