Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Center for Elders’ Independence (CEI) provides a Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver Program that allows Medi-Cal beneficiaries with high-level care needs to continue to live at home or in the community by identifying and ensuring they receive services that will sustain their health and safety outside of an institution. 

The Position:   Under the supervision of the Center Rehabilitation Supervisor, the Occupational Therapist provides restorative and rehabilitative services in conjunction with the total plan of care.

The salary range for the Occupational Therapist role at Center for Elders Independence is $41.40 - $62.10 per hr.  Salaries are based on the market for the Occupational Therapist position, as well as experience, skills, abilities and work history.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborates with the primary care provider team and the interdisciplinary team in evaluating the participant's level of functioning and potential for rehabilitation or restoration, by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures.
• In conjunction with the interdisciplinary team, participates in the development of the participant’s plan of care that may include the use of devices, techniques and activities to promote muscle re-education, perceptual-motor and cognitive function, balance, endurance and other factors affecting the level of independence in performing activities of daily living.
• Instructs and in-services other members of the health team and caregivers on certain areas of occupational therapy in which they may work with the participant.
• Conducts initial assessments of all participants.
• Completes reassessments on participants per CEI policy.
• As directed by the plan of care, treats participants to relieve pain, develop or restore function and maintain maximum performance in activities of daily living.
• Works with vendors to obtain rehabilitative equipment and supplies for participants.
• Observes and records and reports regularly to the interdisciplinary team on the participant's response to the occupational therapy interventions and any changes in condition.
• Instructs, supervises, and evaluates therapy program aides in the implementation of the participant's individualized plan of care.
• Trains family members, other caregivers and CEI staff in methods to maximize safety and functional abilities in performing ADL’s.
• Attends the interdisciplinary team conferences and actively participates in the development of the plan of care.
• Evaluates participants’ home environments and makes appropriate recommendations as needed.
• Attends continuing education and actively participates in meetings and trainings as required. Maintains certifications.
• Participates in coordination for 24-hour care delivery to participants.
• Delegates to and monitors the care provided by Occupational Therapy Assistants as appropriate and in accordance with California regulations.
• Documents thoroughly, accurately, and timely, and in accordance with Occupational Therapy practice standards and CEI policy.
• Maintains the department in a clean and orderly manner. Keeps equipment in good working condition.
• Maintains the confidentiality of all company procedures, results, and information about participants, clients or families regardless of setting.
• Handles potentially infectious specimens with appropriate biohazard precautions, and practices Standard precautions.
• Maintains a courteous, helpful and professional attitude on the job. Displays a willingness and ability to be responsive to all customer groups.
• Maintains safe working environment. Follows CEI’s Safety Policies and Procedures.
• Performs other duties as required or requested in a positive and helpful manner.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and is a graduate of a program of Occupational Therapy approved by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
• Currently licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the Occupational Therapy Board of California.
• Preferred, one (1) year of experience working as a Licensed Occupational Therapist with the frail elderly population.
• Current CPR and First Aid certification on file.
• A valid California driver’s license, current vehicle insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle is required.

Ability to travel to multiple work sites and participants’ residences, required

The above job description is intended to communicate the general function of the mentioned position and by no means shall be considered an exhaustive or complete outline of the specific tasks and functions that will be required.  CEI reserves the right to change job descriptions, site assignments, and or work hours as required by the needs of the program.  All employees are expected to perform their duties within their ability as required by the job and/or as requested by management.