Occupational Therapist

DEFINITION

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Department of Health & Human Services

Are you interested in making a difference? If so, please consider joining our dedicated team at the Department of Health & Human Services! California Children's Services (CCS) Glen Paul Medical Therapy Unit (MTU) is a Medi-Cal certified Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation Center which offers physical and occupational therapy and a multidisciplinary Medical Therapy Conference for children/youth with qualifying diagnoses. Most clients have chronic neurological or musculoskeletal conditions ranging from very mild to very severe. Children aged 0-3 who are at risk for developing a chronic condition may also be eligible.

The Medical Therapy Unit in Humboldt County is located at the Glen Paul School campus with a view of beautiful Redwoods.

Our philosophy is to provide care that is evidence based and family centered, working together as a team and collaborating with community partners.

What You'll Do:

This position is responsible for a variety of duties, including;

• Evaluate the special needs of children and youth who are at risk for or have chronic neurological or musculoskeletal conditions, using appropriate assessment tools including, but not limited to evaluation of neurological status, developmental milestones, fine motor skill attainment, and participation in home and community settings; explain results of evaluations to child/youth, families, and physicians.

• Develop, implement and modify occupational therapy treatment plans to improve the health and development of children. In partnership with the children/youth and caregivers, address functional and participation goals in daily living habits including self-care, community/social participation, play and work.

• Make on-site visits to home and community environments to identify improvements in the physical setting that can be made; and/or determines need for and fit of adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs, braces and splints to make a more adaptive environment for the child/youth.

• Maintain accurate records and case notes; prepare treatment plans, correspondence and other written materials.

• Assist in transition to adult care medical services, including occupational therapy services and services for durable medical equipment.

Where You'll Do It:

This position is located at 2501 Cypress Ave., Eureka, California 95501

A typical work schedule for this position is M-F 8-5

(flexible upon successful completion of the probationary period)

This is a continuous recruitment and Human Resources reserves the right to close this recruitment at any time.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, plans, performs and directs occupational therapy for handicapped persons, primarily children; participates as a team member with physicians, physical therapists, parents and others in furthering the development of the child's daily living habits; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a skilled professional class responsible for evaluating the special needs of handicapped children and developing occupational therapy programs to assist in their development. This class is distinguished from Physical Therapist in that the latter provides physical therapy to assist with the child's neuromuscular development.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

• Plans, organizes and participates in occupational and recreational activities to further the development of a child's daily living habits.

• Consults with physicians to determine appropriate types of occupational therapy for the mental and physical improvement of patients.

• Selects constructive activities suited to patient's physical capacity, intelligence level, interest and desired results.

• Instructs patients in creative arts, educational subjects, prevocational subjects and recreational activities.

• Instructs patients in methods of accomplishing their daily living habits; helps them learn to feed themselves, use bathroom facilities, dress, bathe, write, play and interact with their peers and adults.

• Conducts individual and group sessions to help children feel less restricted in their environment; to learn additional leisure time activities, and to learn how to cook, do laundry and take care of themselves.

• Determines need for and fit of adaptive equipment, such as wheelchairs, adaptive inserts, braces and splints; provides adaptive equipment selection, fabrication and maintenance.

• Observes and makes verbal and written documentation of patient progress.

• Assists in educating school personnel, public health personnel and other interested groups in order to understand and cooperate in the physical and psychological objectives of occupational therapy treatments.

• Participates in staff conferences and team meetings involving educational personnel, welfare services, physical therapists, vendors and speech therapists to further the child's development.

• Makes on-site visits to homes and schools to identify improvements in the physical setting that can be made to make a more adaptive environment for the child.

• Maintains accurate records and case notes; prepares treatment plans, correspondence and other written materials.

• Coordinates with other program staff to ensure treatment plans are implemented and documentation is maintained as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of arts, crafts and recreational activities.

• Theory of mental and physical rehabilitation underlying the practice of occupational therapy.

• Neuro-muscular function and dysfunction.

• Skeletal and muscular anatomy.

• Psychological problems of the handicapped and their families.

• Use and care of special tools, prostheses and equipment.

Skill in:

• Instructing and assisting with therapeutic activities.

• Explaining and interpreting tests, diagnoses, objectives and methods of occupational therapy to patients, parents and school personnel.

• Working as a team member to ensure carryover in the treatment and training of patients. Integrating occupational therapy activities with other medical and developmental programs.

• Preparing accurate and complete case notes, correspondence, reports and other written materials.

• Using initiatives and sound judgment within established guidelines.

• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license.

• Must possess a valid license from the California Board of Occupational Therapy.

Desirable Education and Experience:

• A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: One year of credentialed experience performing occupational therapy with children.

WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE PERKS

For more information about County benefits, visit our benefits webpage: https://humboldtgov.org/2492/Employee-Benefits.

For more details about employee perks, see our Employee Perks flyer: https://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/115226/Employee-Perks-Flyer-.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application?

• You should allow 30 - 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it?

• You may only submit one application per day.

• You may submit an edited application after waiting at least one day from your initial submission.

• Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will be archived.

How long until I hear back from you?

• You can expect to hear back from Human Resources about 3 - 4 weeks after the closing date listed on the job posting.

How can I check for updates on my application?

• You can log into your Government Jobs account and review current information regarding any application you have submitted.

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview?

• Yes, you will be informed if you are not selected for an interview.

The County of Humboldt's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC, Disabled Persons, Veterans, LGBTQIA+ community members, etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the position. In recognition of these structural and systemic factors, the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways - oftentimes, outside of formal institutions - and strives to take a holistic approach to in assessing an applicant's qualifications for a position.

If you're excited about this role but your past work experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we strongly encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

A complete, original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applications must be submitted online through the County's automated application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/humboldtcountyca no later than the final filing date listed on the job flyer. All applications are screened by both Human Resources staff and may be screened by additional subject matter experts. The most qualified candidates may then be invited for further testing.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant experience and education you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process. Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. All candidates who pass will be ranked according to their scores. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.

CalPERS RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Employees fall into one of the following tiers based on the date you first start working for the County or any other employer that uses CalPERS for retirement.

• Tier I - Prior to 7/5/2012: 2.7% @ 55
• Tier II - Post 7/6/2012: 2% @ 55
• Tier III - Post 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62

If this is your first job with a CalPERS employer, you'd be in Tier III.

• 2.0 means that for every year you work for the County, you will receive 2% of your maximum annual pay rate for every year that you work for us (or other CalPERS employers) if you work the required minimum number of years (that's called vesting) and retire after the age following the @.

• If you work 20 years and retire at 62 years of age, you will receive 20 x 2% or 40% of your maximum annual pay rate every year in retirement payments.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County runs its hiring on a set of rules to ensure that it is fair. Hiring and promotion are based on performance and having the best qualifications for the job. "Examination" doesn't always mean taking a test, sometimes it just means how we compare your application to others who have applied, and an "oral examination" means a scored and structured interview.

POLICY OF NONDISCRIMINATION

The County of Humboldt does not discriminate based on mental or physical disability in the admission or access to, treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse, which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. Contact the Human Resources Department at (707) 476-2349 well in advance of the examination to request an accommodation.

The County is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race, religion or religious creed, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, military service, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws or ordinances.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.

OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.

LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California driver's license.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the County's intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States, pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment, you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.