The Occupational Therapist I interprets, organizes, applies and modifies as necessary medically prescribed occupational therapy to inpatients and/or outpatients. The Occupational Therapist I plans and implements programs to meet individual needs and provides care consistent with the Scope of Practice Standards and Code of Ethics of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the California Board of Occupational Therapy. Competency skills include the ability to provide care in a safe environment utilizing appropriate communication with sensitivity to special populations. This includes patients with diverse cultural backgrounds, age, developmental issues and physical impairments.    The Occupational Therapist I is an  entry-level position for new graduates or those new to the setting of hire.  Focus is on orientation and mentorship to become an independent, competent clinician.  Successful proficiency at this level is necessary for progression to Level II. 

QUALIFICATIONS

All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently. 

LEVEL OF EDUCATION 

Minimum: Graduation from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy (Master’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree with equivalent experience). 

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS 

Minimum: License applicant for the state of California (currently holds out-of-state license) licensed applicant or licensed as a Occupational Therapist in the State of California, American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certified. Pediatric Specialty Clinics: CCS paneling within 6 months. Outpatient Therapy treating CCS clients: CCS paneling within 6 months. 

Preferred: Valid CA Driver's License. Outpatient or Hand Therapy: Certification in Physical Agent Modalities (PAMS) and Certification in Hand Therapy by California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT) 

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS 

Minimum: Knowledge of occupational therapy techniques and modalities. Knowledge of body mechanics, including procedure for handling and moving patients. Basic computer skills for chart review and documentation in electronic medical record. 

YEARS OF RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE 

Minimum: Entry level to 6 months of experience as a licensed Occupational Therapist. Pediatric and / or Neonatal Intensive Care Units (PICU, NICU): Pediatric, PICU, NICU experience and completed competency with clinical leadership.