Occupational Therapist II - Spanish Speaking Preferred - Extra-Help (Open)

San Mateo Medical Center is seeking well-qualified candidates for the position of Occupational Therapist II.  

Currently, there is one Extra-Help, part-time, vacancy. This position will plan and provide occupational therapy services for acutely ill or rehabilitative patients in, primarily, an inpatient setting, skilled nursing, with opportunities to cross train in the outpatient setting.   

Occupational Therapist II is the experienced journey level class in this series. Incumbents in this class perform the full range of general therapy treatments with a greater degree of independence and proficiency, additionally applying more specialized and advanced therapy treatments. Some individuals may also assist in providing technical advice and training to less experienced staff.

The ideal candidate has graduated from an accredited occupational therapy curriculum and is licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the California Board of Occupational Therapy and registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. They will also possess a Certificate of completion for a course in Basic Life Support as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Additionally, the incumbent will have experience in working with adults, skilled nursing, and acute care.  Fluency in Spanish is preferred but not required. Ability to work weekends and/or holiday coverage when necessary is strongly preferred.

About Us
SMMC outpatient rehabilitation department has a talented team of 35 physical, occupational and speech therapists. We take pride in excelling within San Mateo County's public hospital and clinics, taking care of the most diverse patient populations. We treat a multitude of conditions, including neurologic and orthopedic injuries, as well as post-operative surgical conditions, where our outcomes exceed targets. Further, we foster educational and improvement opportunities, which provide best practice care and evidence-based skills. Join our team! We are looking for a new team member who enjoys working with a large multidisciplinary team, has a growth mindset, advocates for resources, and shares in our team's celebrations and accomplishments. Our colleagues have shared that San Mateo County's commitment to work-life balance is one of the best in the industry. Come share your talents on our engaged and dynamic therapy team!  

NOTE: Extra-help hours are dependent on the business needs of the department and therefore work hours may vary from week to week. Extra help employees shall not exceed 1,040 hours of work per fiscal year. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Under medical direction, plan and perform occupational therapy for a variety of patients.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to provide comprehensive treatment to patients.
• Provide therapeutic activities to promote independence in daily living activities.
• Plan, organize and participate in occupational therapy activities.
• Design and fabricate splints.
• Instruct patients in the use of therapeutic tools and equipment.
• Provide ongoing assessment and documentation of the patient's response to treatment in accordance with hospital standards.
• Participate in discharge planning and refer parents to community services.
• Determine need for department and patient-related supplies and equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of treatment areas.
• May participate as clinical preceptor in a university affiliated occupational therapy student program.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Licensure/Certification:

• Eligibility for or registration as an Occupational Therapist by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Failure to obtain this licensure within twelve months of employment may result in termination.
• Possession of a Certificate of completion for a course in Basic Life Support as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; or must be obtained within six months of appointment.

Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Occupational Therapist II: One year of supervised experience in occupational therapy.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and methods of occupational therapy, as applicable to all types of cases found in a general hospital providing acute care or in a rehabilitative center.
• Physical and psychological problems of physically disabled, aged, gero-psychiatric and chronically ill patients.
• Principles of splint design and fabrication.
• Use and care of therapeutic tools and equipment commonly used in occupational therapy.
• Professional ethics and the fundamental laws of practice for occupational therapy.

Skill/Ability to:

• Administer and document occupational therapy treatments.
• Assess patient needs, analyze situations accurately and implement an effective plan of action.
• Adapt equipment to patient needs.
• Integrate occupational therapy services with other medical and institutional programs.
• Develop new programs in response to patient/department needs.
• Explain and teach occupational therapy activities to patients, health care professionals and other interested persons.
• Exercise tact and good judgment in dealing with patients, staff and the public.
• Prepare reports and keep records of case histories.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Act as a consultant/trainer for education and other staff.
• Provide suitable transportation between work sites.
• Lift or assist with lifting patients and equipment.

If you are interested in being considered for these extra-help positions, the following materials must be electronically submitted in a Word or PDF format.

• Cover letter
• Resumé
• Supplemental Questions

Supplemental Questions

1) Eligibility for or licensed as an Occupational Therapist by the California Board of Occupational Therapy and registered with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy. Failure to obtain this licensure within twelve months of employment may result in termination. Do you possess this qualification or will be able to obtain this licensure within twelve months of employment?

2) Possession of a Certificate of completion for a course in Basic Life Support as approved by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; or must be obtained within six months of appointment. Do you possess this qualification, or will you be able to obtain this certification within six months of appointment? 

Please include the words "Occupational Therapist II - Extra Help" in the subject line of the email submission. Please submit the required materials electronically via email to:

Application materials will be reviewed as they are received, and well-qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Apply immediately. Resumés will be accepted until position is filled. This posting is open on a continuous basis and selection may be made at any time within the process.

NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submittals that do not include all required elements (cover letter with responses to supplemental questions and a resume) will not be considered.