SALARY:

$45.27 - $54.49 Hourly

$94,165.76 - $113,347.52 Annually

The County of Santa Barbara Health Department is looking for a compassionate Occupational Therapist to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with special healthcare needs! We are currently accepting applications to fill one (1) *Extra-Help CCS Occupational Therapist I/II in Lompoc on the California Children's Services (CCS) team.

*Civil Service Rule 905. Extra Help Appointment. An extra help appointment is defined as an appointment made to a non-regular, non-permanent position established on a temporary basis to meet peak loads, unusual work situations, seasonal and recurrent work, intermittent assignments, or emergencies. These positions are exempt from the Provisions of the Civil Service Rules.

Please select the location(s) you would like to be considered for current and future Extra-Help vacancies. If you qualify for this position, pass the required selection steps and are in the area of selection, then your name may be sent to the hiring manager(s) of the vacancy location(s) where you have expressed that you are willing to work.

BENEFITS will be offered once EXH employees reach Affordable Care Act (ACA) eligibility.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

Under general supervision provides occupational therapy evaluation and treatment services to children with physical disabilities in California Children's Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Program; and performs related duties as required.

CCS Occupational Therapist I/II is a flexibly staffed series. CCS Occupational Therapist I isthe professional entry-level class for occupational therapists. Incumbents work under general supervision in assigned Medical Therapy Units and perform a wide variety of occupational therapy treatments. CCS Occupational Therapist II is the fully qualified, journey-level occupational therapist who, under direction, performs the more difficult occupational therapy treatments utilizing advanced therapeutic techniques and specialized treatment equipment and provides profession-specific training to staff and therapy interns.

Candidates may be appointed at the CCS Occupational Therapist I or II level, depending on the candidate's qualifications and the needs of the department.
 
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• Experience providing occupational therapy to children with disabilities.
• A passion for working with children, including engaging with them at their level during therapy sessions.
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with patients, families, teachers, caregivers, physicians, and the CCS team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong follow-up skills to ensure continuity of care.

The ability to work independently while maintaining a high standard of care.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM: 

1. Evaluates functional capabilities of infants, children, and adolescents with physical disabilities using appropriate assessment tools; establishes occupational therapy treatment goals and plans of service; submits written goals and plans of service to CCS paneled physician for approval and prescription for treatment; selects occupational therapy treatment techniques; constructs and/or recommends the purchase of adaptive equipment; and administers occupational therapy to patients.
2. Assists with Medical Therapy Unit specialty clinic planning and organization and presents patients, case histories, and treatment updates to clinic physicians.
3. Prepares written evaluation reports, medical chart notes documenting services provided and patient response, and Patient Treatment Records for statistical and medical billing purposes.
4. Instructs patients, parents, caregivers and educational providers on proper handling techniques and use of medical equipment to reinforce therapy treatment goals.
5. Directs the therapy services provided by paraprofessional staff.
6. Makes presentations to orient community agencies and groups to CCS Medical Therapy Services.

Possession of a valid license as an Occupational Therapist issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy AND certification as an Occupational Therapist by the National Board of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Applicants may be hired without the certification(s) provided they meet the minimum qualifications required to obtain an Occupational Therapy Limited Permit issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy and acquire their Certificate of Registration as an Occupational Therapist with the National Board for Certification within four months of their hire date.

Additional Qualifications: Independent travel will be required. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License may be required.
 
Knowledge of: concepts, scope, principles, and practices of occupational therapy services; normal and abnormal growth and development of children; human anatomy and physiology, including all systems of the body with emphasis on musculoskeletal and nervous systems; pathophysiological conditions resulting from injury and disease; psychosocial reactions to illness and disease; special medical problems of high-risk infants; standard occupational therapy assessment tools and tests; self-care and daily living skills needed by patients for maximum independent living; standard occupational therapy documentation format and requirements; durable medical equipment, adaptive aids, and orthopedic devices used in pediatric rehabilitation treatment; professional ethics and conduct; and medical-legal aspects of occupational therapy services. 

Ability to: evaluate the functional capabilities of children with a variety of disabling conditions; interpret assessment results; develop treatment plans; construct splints or adaptive equipment; teach the use of orthopedic devices and adaptive equipment; explain treatment techniques, equipment, and programs to persons with varying degrees of technical understanding; establish and maintain effective working relationships with children, their families, care givers, and other medical and educational staff; work as part of interdisciplinary team; act effectively in medical emergencies; collect and analyze data, draw conclusions, and make recommendations; keep accurate records; and use clear and concise language in written and oral communications.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: 

1. Review applications and supplemental questionnaire to determine those applicants who meet the employment standards.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS: The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider, or learning institution. 

Recruiters will communicate with applicants by e-mail during each step in the recruitment process. Applicants are reminded to check spam filters continuously during the Recruitment & Selection Process steps listed above to ensure they do not miss required deadlines. 

The Santa Barbara County Health Department (County Health) requires all employees working in direct contact with patients or clients in a high-risk environment to comply with the County Health Employee Immunizations policy. This can be accomplished by providing documentation of immunizations, submitting laboratory immune titers demonstrating adequate immunity, or obtaining required vaccinations. A list of requirements, based on the specific program, will be sent at the time an offer letter is presented to the selected candidate(s) and initial documentation will be required at this time.

Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidate will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. The appointee will be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination. 

Disaster Service Workers: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.  

STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT 

The County of Santa Barbara is dedicated to cultivating and sustaining an environment that exhibits equity and inclusion everywhere, and at all levels of our organization.  The County believes equity is a fundamental principle that must be imbedded in policies, institutional practices and systems. The County recognizes the negative impacts of systemic racism and is committed to eliminating the barriers affecting our Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and Asian community members, as well as people of other diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We envision a world where society and its systems (e.g. education, criminal justice, and health care, housing the economy) are just, fair, and inclusive, enabling all people to participate and reach their full potential.

We celebrate community and employee diversity, strive for inclusion and belonging, and promote empowered participation. We aspire to build a workforce that is reflective of these values and the communities we serve. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and will resolutely uphold federal, California state law and/or Santa Barbara County ordinances.

We believe equity and inclusion are vital to fulfill the County's mission and to embody a culture of "One County, One Future." Expanding the full range of employee talent allows the County to deliver our best to all our community members.

We believe in the dignity and humanity of all people. We strive for a healthy and prosperous society that promotes all people having equitable access and opportunity.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: 04/01/25 by 4:59 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.sbcountyjobs.com.