Occupational Therapy Manager

As the Occupational Therapy Manager for High Desert PACE, you will oversee, develop, and manage the comprehensive occupational therapy and restorative care program to promote independence and quality of life for elderly participants. Reporting directly to the Medical Director, you will provide clinical leadership, administrative oversight, and strategic direction to the therapy staff. You will ensure regulatory compliance, quality excellence, and collaborate closely as a leadership figure with the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) to meet the unique needs of the High Desert PACE population.

Responsibilities

Leadership, Supervision & Operations

• Staff Management: Recruit, onboard, supervise, and evaluate the performance of Occupational Therapists (OTs), Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), and restorative aides to ensure alignment with departmental policies.
• Program Oversight: Direct day-to-day operations of the occupational therapy section, establishing clinical workflows, scheduling, and allocating resources effectively.
• IDT Representation: Serve as a core leadership liaison to the Interdisciplinary Team; attend morning updates and clinical meetings to represent therapy goals, coordinate care strategies, and report on departmental initiatives.
• Education & Mentorship: Lead training and educational initiatives for staff, family members, and the broader IDT regarding restorative care, safety measures, and therapeutic integration.

Clinical Quality & Care Governance

• Assessment Oversight: Ensure the timely, accurate completion of initial, semi-annual, and annual assessments (including functional, physical, cognitive, and home safety evaluations) conducted by the OT team.
• Care Plan Review: Audit and monitor individualized plans of care across various settings (PACE center, hospitals, nursing facilities, and assisted living homes) to ensure clinical appropriateness and compliance.
• Clinical Escalations: Provide expert consultation or direct skilled intervention for complex cases, specialized treatments, or advanced home safety evaluations as required.
• DME Management: Oversee the evaluation, procurement, tracking, and approval process for Durable Medical Equipment (DME), managing vendor relationships and tracking departmental purchases.

Administrative & Quality Improvement

• Compliance & Auditing: Maintain strict quality assurance standards, ensuring all medical records and therapy documentation are accurate, timely, and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.
• QAPI Leadership: Drive and participate in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities, leveraging data to improve participant outcomes and department efficiency.
• Strategic Collaboration: Partner with the Medical Director and other department heads (such as Activities) on program adaptations, environment design, and operational budgeting.

Education & Training

• Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of documented clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist, with at least one (1) year of experience working with a frail or elderly population. Prior supervisory or healthcare management experience is highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.
• Licensure: Current, active license with the State of California.
• Certifications: Current CPR certification required.
• Health Screening: Must be medically cleared for communicable diseases and have all immunizations up-to-date prior to engaging in participant environments.

Skills & Abilities

• Proven leadership, conflict resolution, and team-building capabilities.
• Ability to handle the administrative, mental, and emotional stressors associated with a healthcare management role.
• Highly organized, dependable, flexible, and resourceful with strong fiscal and operational management skills.
• Excellent communication skills to interface professionally with the public, regulatory bodies, department heads, and the IDT.
• Ability to function independently while maintaining a strong, collaborative reporting relationship with the Medical Director.

Working Conditions

• The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Primarily, work indoors.
• Usually have their own office or a shared office space
• Are exposed daily to participants who have diseases or infections.
• Wear protective clothing such as a gown, masks, and gloves, as needed.
• Work very close to others, especially when examining participants.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, and/or stand.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.