Occupational Therapist

CommonSpirit Health•Northridge, CA

11d

About The Position

The Occupational Therapist helps patients regain independence and quality of life so they can safely perform daily activities. The role assesses patients with a range of diagnoses, including orthopedic, neurological, sensory, and cancer-recovery needs; develops and carries out treatment plans; and conducts evaluations and re-evaluations. The therapist works with an interdisciplinary team, maintains thorough documentation, and provides motivating care to a high volume of patients. Success in this role requires flexibility, adaptability, strong organization, and a personable, team-oriented approach. The work is at Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center, a 394-bed, acute-care nonprofit hospital founded in 1955. The hospital serves more than 80,000 patients annually and provides services including a Level II Trauma Center, heart care, cancer care, and women’s health. It is the San Fernando Valley’s only pediatric trauma center and is recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer, a Joint Commission-certified Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center, and one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2026.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an approved school of Occupational Therapy.
Academic coursework in growth and development, gerontology, and therapeutic procedures for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations.
New applicants must provide documentation of continuing education or experience.
Demonstrate participation in required external continuing education upon annual appraisal.
California Occupational Therapist License (CA OTL).
American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification (AHA BLS).
Fire Safety card within 90 days from the start date.
Flexibility, adaptability, exceptional organization, and a personable, motivating, team-oriented approach.

Responsibilities

Assess patients with varying diagnoses and disorders requiring occupational therapy, according to established guidelines.
Treat patients across neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age ranges, limited to age groups for which the therapist meets education, experience, and training requirements.
Ensure patients ages 0–21 with CCS insurance are seen by or overseen by a CCS-panelled therapist.
Establish functional goals with the interdisciplinary team based on the patient’s rehabilitation potential.
Develop, implement, and modify treatment plans with the interdisciplinary team to achieve established goals.
Use evidence-based practice when available.
Incorporate patient, family, and Care Partner needs, interests, and goals into treatment planning and delivery.
Provide education to patients, families, Care Partners, and caregivers, beginning as soon as feasible after admission.
Support transfer of knowledge using techniques such as teach-back, demonstration, video, and written handouts.
Establish and follow patient precautions.
Observe patient responses to treatment and report unusual occurrences.
Follow hand-off guidelines.
Conduct evaluations and re-evaluations and document care thoroughly.