Occupational Therapist
Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute
Escondido, CA

A career at Palomar Rehabilitation Institute, a 52-bed inpatient acute rehabilitation hospital operated jointly with Lifepoint Health and Palomar Health, is more than a job. It's a chance to be a vital member of an interdisciplinary team caring for people in the San Diego area who need continued care to recover completely. You have specialized skills and our patients in the Escondido, and the surrounding area, need them. If you are enthusiastic individual seeking an environment dedicated to superior patient care and an organization with a strong mission to serve our community, we invite you to apply!

Our Benefits:

·         Tuition assistance/reimbursement

·         Low therapy-to-patient ratios

·         Expansive benefit package including PTO plan, 401k + Match, and insurance coverage

·         Professional development and advancement opportunities

·         Superior quality patient outcomes

·         Supportive leadership and culture

              Affordable medical, dental and vision plans provided to meet the needs of full employees and their families 

              Up to 20 days of PTO for full time employees 

             6 paid holidays for full time employees 

What you will do in this role:

The Occupational Therapist (OT) Per Diem provides occupational therapy evaluations, modalities, and treatments as prescribed by a licensed physician in an effort to restore function and prevent disability following injury, disease, or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.

• Assumes responsibility and accountability as indicated for the care of those patients being treated by Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants, rehabilitation technicians and occupational therapy students. May be assigned to orient staff and students and assume the duties and responsibilities of the supervisor in the absence of that individual as qualified to do so.
• Assesses patients’ needs; identifies and initiates appropriate occupational therapy interventions; works cooperatively with other patient team personnel in maintaining standards for professional occupational therapy practice and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Observes and evaluates treatment affect, accomplishment of short and long term goals. Recommends change to physician, if needed.
• Performs an appropriate assessment on each patient and performs reassessments, as per policy. Performs accurate and timely QI scoring. The population is adult and geriatric patients requiring an adult medical rehabilitation program and services.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function of participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate interventions to reduce pain; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Reports patient progress and barriers to discharge in each patient team conference
• Formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning; family is included in teaching, as appropriate. Performs appropriate documentation.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency of occupational therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff, and administrative team.
• Participates in patient/family conferences and team conferences.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized, and to function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments, as appropriate, to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Meets current documentation standards and policies. Documents goals on the Interdisciplinary Care Plan on admission of the patient and provides updates regularly.
• Participates in educational staff performance improvement in-services. Assists with orientation and in-service training for certified department staff members. Participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Ensures that patient charges are accurate and entered on a timely basis.
• Participates in infection control, departmental equipment training, and organizational safety and fire safety programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute strives to maximize the health, function, and quality of life of those we serve through comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation programs. Our rehabilitation programs provide ongoing care and specialized treatment to patients throughout their recovery journey. We offer customized, intense rehabilitation tailored to the individual needs of those recovering from stroke, brain injury, neurological conditions, trauma, spinal cord injury, amputation, and orthopedic injury.

• Current licensure as an Occupational Therapist in the state where the hospital is located.
• Previous experience in all aspects of occupational therapy preferred, but not required.
• Effective oral and written communication skills in English with additional languages preferred
• Current CPR/BLS certification.

Salary range: $55.00 per hour. We would expect those hired into this job would be paid within this hourly rate, however, certain circumstances may allow us to pay outside of this hourly rate. 

 Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute strives to maximize the health, function, and quality of life of those we serve through comprehensive physical medicine and rehabilitation programs. Our rehabilitation programs provide ongoing care and specialized treatment to patients throughout their recovery journey. We offer customized, intense rehabilitation tailored to the individual needs of those recovering from stroke, brain injury, neurological conditions, trauma, spinal cord injury, amputation, and orthopedic injury.