Supervising Occupational Therapist - California Children's Services (Open & Promotional)

Salary : $140,316.80 - $175,448.00 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: F187K
Department: Family Health Services
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01A


Description
The San Mateo County - California Children's Services (CCS) is seeking to fill a Full-Time Supervising Occupational Therapist for the Medical Therapy Program.


Under general direction, the successful hire will plan, assign, direct, coordinate and evaluate the work of a group of therapists responsible for planning and providing occupational therapy services for children with physically disabilities, aged birth to 21 years.


The Ideal Candidate will have:

• 5 years' experience providing professional pediatric occupational therapy care.
• Experience in the use, maintenance and development of a database for therapy records.
• Leadership experience, including serving as a team leader or mentor.
• Experience in comprehensive therapy case management for clients aged birth to 21 years of age with cerebral palsy, and other neurologic, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions.
• Experience working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, including parents, physical therapists, physicians, teachers, and other professionals.
• Knowledge of California Children's Services Medical Therapy Program policies.

Examples Of Duties

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

• Plan, assign, direct and review the work of Occupational Therapists and other staff assigned to the unit.
• Evaluate and document employee performance on an ongoing basis, including periodic written evaluations for personnel records.
• Provide consultation for therapists regarding treatment programs; supervise difficult or complex cases.
• Assist management with support services such as recruitment and selection of staff, development of therapy policy and procedures manuals, training programs, reports, electronic medical records and data systems and correspondence.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary Medical Therapy Conferences (MTC), including preparation and follow-up to ensure continuity of care.
• Hold individual and group meetings with staff to discuss general treatments and policies.
• Plan and perform physical therapy for children with physical disabilities.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive treatment to children.
• Administer therapy treatments in accordance with a prescription from the orthopedist, neurologist or physiatrist.
• 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.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of supervision and training.
• Principles and methods of occupational therapy.
• Neuro-anatomy, kinesiology, psychology and the basic pathology involved in cerebral palsy and other medically eligible conditions.
• Objectives of therapy treatment for assigned patient population.
• Family centered therapy.
• Construction, use and care of orthopedic appliances and equipment.
• Available resources for adaptive equipment and indications for appropriate use.
• Therapy treatment for children with physical disabilities.
• Growth and development of children.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of assigned staff.
• Train subordinate staff.
• Administer occupational therapy treatments.
• Explain and teach 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.
• 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: five years of experience providing professional pediatric occupational therapy care.


Licensure/Certification: Current license or eligibility for 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 licensure within twelve months of employment may result in termination.

Application/Examination
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 the County of San Mateo, 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.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Deadline to Apply: Thursday, June 25, 2026 11:59PM PST
Application Screening: Week of June 29
Combined Panel/Departmental Interviews: Week of July 13, 2026

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.
Analyst: Debbie Kong (06112026) (Supervising Therapist, California Children's Services - F187)
We invite you to explore our page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01


IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process. Be concise and specific. Neatness, clarity of expression, grammar, spelling and ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to these questions.

• I have read and understand these instructions.

02


Eligibility for or licensure as an Occupational Therapist by the Physical Therapy Board of California is required for this position 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. Please check all that apply from the choices below. (Please include your license number on the Certificates & Licenses section of the application.)

• I am eligible to obtain a license as an Occupational Therapist by the Physical Therapy Board of California and registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
• I possess an Occupational Therapist license by the Physical Therapy Board of California and registration with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy.
• None of the above

03


What is your experience as a occupational physical therapist?
04


Describe your knowledge of the California Children's Services Medical Therapy Program.
05


Describe a situation in which you played a leadership role. Describe your role in relation to the roles of the other team members.
06


Describe your experience working with vendors evaluating for and ordering durable medical equipment.
07


Describe a situation when you had to give negative feedback to a person under your supervision. How did you give the feedback? What outcome was achieved? OR, If you have not supervised, think of a time when you had a difficult conversation with a co-worker or peer? How did you provide feedback and what outcome was achieved?
Required Question