Occupational Therapist (Medical Group)

Job DetailsJob Location: Laguna Niguel, CA 92677Position Type: Per DiemEducation Level: Graduate DegreeSalary Range: $55.00 - $60.00 HourlyJob Category: Health CarePOSITION SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides skilled rehabilitation services across assigned care settings, including patient homes, outpatient environments, assisted living communities, independent living communities, board and care facilities, and other approved community-based settings. The Occupational Therapist evaluates, develops, and implements individualized treatment plans designed to optimize function, safety, independence, participation, and quality of life.

The Occupational Therapist collaborates with physicians, advanced practice providers, rehabilitation professionals, caregivers, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to promote positive patient outcomes and ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Evaluation and Assessment

• Perform comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations in accordance with physician orders, organizational policies, and applicable regulatory requirements.

• Assess activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), upper extremity function, cognition, visual-perceptual skills, safety awareness, environmental barriers, and other factors impacting functional performance.

• Identify rehabilitation potential and establish measurable patient-centered goals.

• Reassess patient progress and modify treatment plans as clinically indicated.

Treatment Planning and Intervention

• Develop and implement individualized plans of care consistent with patient needs, physician orders, and professional standards of practice.

• Provide skilled occupational therapy interventions including, but not limited to, therapeutic activities, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, self-care training, cognitive rehabilitation, visual-perceptual training, caregiver education, environmental modification, and other evidence-based occupational therapy services within the scope of practice.

• Recommend, train, and educate patients and caregivers regarding adaptive equipment, assistive technology, environmental modifications, energy conservation techniques, compensatory strategies, and other interventions designed to maximize independence and safety.

• Educate patients, families, and caregivers regarding disease processes, injury prevention, fall prevention, home programs, and strategies to maximize functional performance and independence.

• Participate in discharge planning and transition of care activities as appropriate.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete accurate, timely, and clinically appropriate documentation in accordance with organizational policies and federal, state, accreditation, payer, and professional requirements.

• Document patient evaluations, treatment encounters, progress reports, reassessments, recertifications, discharge summaries, and other required clinical records.

• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and all applicable privacy regulations.

• Ensure services provided are medically necessary, appropriately documented, and supported by clinical findings.

Communication and Care Coordination

• Communicate patient status, progress, barriers to care, safety concerns, and significant clinical findings to physicians and other appropriate members of the healthcare team.

• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, rehabilitation professionals, nursing staff, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals to support continuity of care and positive patient outcomes.

• Participate in interdisciplinary care planning, case conferences, and team meetings as appropriate.

• Report changes in patient condition and obtain additional physician orders when clinically indicated.

Supervision

• Provide direction, supervision, and clinical oversight of Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) in accordance with state and federal regulations and organizational policies.

• Review documentation and patient progress as required and participate in supervisory activities necessary to ensure quality care and regulatory compliance.

• Provide instruction and guidance to support personnel, caregivers, and other team members regarding appropriate components of the patient's plan of care.QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) or its successor organization, or an equivalent program recognized under applicable federal and state regulations.

• Current and unrestricted Occupational Therapist license in the State of California.

• Current CPR/BLS certification.

• Must obtain and maintain all licenses, certifications, registrations, and provider credentials required to perform the duties of the position.

• Must be eligible for Medicare enrollment, credentialing, and participation with applicable payer programs.

• Must maintain professional liability insurance coverage in accordance with organizational policy.

• Minimum one (1) year of clinical experience preferred.

• Home health, outpatient, geriatric, community-based, or rehabilitation experience preferred.

• Successful completion of all required background screening and employment eligibility requirements.