PACE Occupational Therapist

Position Summary:

The Occupational Therapist (OT) is a Member of the Interdisciplinary Team of the San Diego PACE Program and is responsible for the design and implementation of a program of occupational therapy for PACE patients to help them to remain independent and live safely in the community. The OT performs assessments of PACE patients and develops individualized plans of care, is responsible for determining the appropriate approach to be used in developing function to a maximum level and supervises the carrying out of the plan of care by support staff. Performs reassessments as indicated.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Develop and implement a program of occupational therapy for patients enrolled in PACE and accessing day services.
• Perform assessments of patients to determine abilities.
• Develop and implement an individualized plan of care to decrease or eliminate disability, increase or maintain capability for independence, and develop function to a maximum level.
• Ensure that the individual plan of care is being followed by qualified support staff.
• Guide patients and caregivers in the use of adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative and self-care activities for improving function.
• Perform assessments as indicated. Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and modify goals as necessary. Traveling required as indicated.
• Conducts home, hospital, and other site visits as needed and indicated by IDT and/or Center Manager.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient’s health record. Record, sign, and date quarterly progress notes. Review and initial all evaluations and the discharge summary.
• Ensure services provided are in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring dignity and self-esteem to all patients.
• Excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Ensure that required equipment and supplies for the occupational therapy program are available or ordered as needed.
• Develop personnel policies that define the occupational therapy responsibilities and the duties assigned to the Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Will conduct home treatments, assessments as required/needed.
• Will assist in conducting trainings to other staff members (including CNAs/PCAs, etc.) as requested.
• Keeps abreast of all regulations and standards to ensure compliance with orders or directives issued by duly constituted government/regulatory agencies (PACE, CMS, DHCS, etc.)
• Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and follow established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Adheres to SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality policies and practices.
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.
• Per form other related duties as assigned or requested.

Job Requirements

Education Required:

• Graduate of an OT curriculum accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and the Accreditation of the American Medical Association and the American OT Association.

Experience Required:

• At least one year experience as an OT working with geriatric populations.

Certifications Required:

• Licensed Occupational Therapist in CA
• PAM Certification strongly preferred
• CA valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Proof of the current vehicle insurance (if applicable

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Bilingual English & Spanish preferred
• Excellent oral, written and computer skills.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Knowledge of principle and methods for treatment and rehabilitation of functional impartments. Ingenuity and imagination in adapting activities to individual needs. Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and to participate in a multi-cultural, multidisciplinary team.
• Patience and strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrates clinical competency and geriatric population. Only acts within scope of his/her authority to practice. Meet a standardized set of competencies for the specific position description established by San Diego PACE and approved by CMS before working independently.

Equipment Used:

• Networked personal computer with various applications.
• Adaptive equipment including wheelchairs, orthoses, eating aids, dressing aids splints and slings.
• Equipment and supplies for creative skills such as leatherwork, weaving, needlework, ceramics, woodworking, etc.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Provide leadership coverage at assigned SYHealth clinics as needed.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends and attend meetings.

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.