Self-Help for the Elderly·San Francisco, California
The Occupational Therapist provides therapy services to enhance patient independence in daily activities by assessing and training in motor, perceptual, and cognitive skills. They coordinate care with other healthcare professionals and ensure comprehensive documentation and communication regarding patient progress and needs.
Position: Occupational Therapist
Department: HomeCare & Hospice
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Director of Patient Care Services
Provides occupational therapy services to maximize the patient’s independence in activities of daily living by training them in motor, perceptual and cognitive skills.
⦁ Has good knowledge of Agency Policies and Procedures, State and Federal Regulations related to Home Health/Hospice services, Clinical Procedures/Protocols, OT Job Description and assigned responsibilities, and acts upon all listed above requirements.
⦁ Assumes responsibility for care of all assigned patients as Occupational Therapist and coordinates patient care services with other disciplines of Healthcare team, including RN, PT, ST and MSW, as well as patient’s PCP, DPCS and QA RN.
⦁ Assess/Evaluates therapeutic/rehabilitative/functional status of the patient and rehab potential. Evaluates patient's functional level, muscle strength mobility, ROM, transfer capabilities and coordination using functional, perceptual and neurological tests.
⦁ Evaluates home environment for safety and educates patient/family/caregivers on Fall precautions/Safety measures, including safe ambulation and transfer techniques.
⦁ Instructs patients and families in areas of activity of daily living, energy conservation, work simplification techniques and other areas of occupational therapy.
⦁ Documents assessment findings in Evaluation Visit Form, and submits it in DeVero within 24 hours from the date of evaluation. Makes sure that all fields of evaluation are completed thoroughly and accurately according to the assessed/factual data.
⦁ Communicates patient problems, therapy goals and interventions to patient’s PCP, DPCS, RNCM and develops OT Plan of Care in 24 hours from the date of Evaluation. Office faxes Plan of Care to PCP for signature.
⦁ Initiates Occupational therapy program and instructs other personnel and/or family/caregivers in certain phases of occupational therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences.
⦁ Determines priority needs for occupational therapy and provides treatment to patients according to a written individualized plan of care.
⦁ Administers direct care, using various occupational therapy techniques and modalities.
⦁ Reports to the PCP patient's reaction to treatment and documents it in clinical records.
⦁ Informs the DPCS of unusual or potentially problematic patients and family issues.
⦁ Refers patient to other disciplines’ Evaluation (RN, PT, MSW, ST) and CHHA services as needed, requesting these referrals with MD order.
⦁ Plans Frequencies of visits, with consideration of complexity of patient’s condition and patient’s treatments/education/services needed.
⦁ Assesses patient’s needs for DMEs that are required, to increase patient functional status and independence. Requests necessary DMEs with MD order. Instructs patient and family/caregivers on the safe use and care of DMEs and therapeutic appliances.
⦁ Reports patient’s change in condition to the PCP and requests MD order immediately, followed by documenting/faxing MD order and reporting Change in patient’s condition to DPCS in 24 hours of the occurrence.
⦁ Reports to DPCS/MD ALL Falls (with or without injuries, with or without witnesses), ALL Infections and ALL ER Visits/Hospitalizations no later than 24 hours of occurrence/finding. Submits applicable written reports to DPCS in 24-hour time frame.
⦁ Conforms and Acts upon all required by the Agency Paperwork/Reports Time Frames for submission of important Clinical Documentation, that are outlined in the Regulatory Document and signed by clinical staff.
⦁ Completes patient-related documentation; such as routine visit Notes, Coordination/Communication Notes, etc., within 24hours of the shift worked.
⦁ May train and educate patient in the use of prosthetic device.
⦁ Participates in patient discharge planning.
⦁ Prepares and submits a 30-days clinical Progress Note and Discharge summary based on the attainment of goals directed by the organization policy.
⦁ Provides occupational therapy consultations/teaching to families/caregivers, as appropriate.
⦁ Participates in Bi-weekly Mandatory Case Conference meetings and IDT meetings, where the Professional Clinical Team discusses different aspects of Patient Care.
⦁ Participates in Mandatory In-Services/ Department Meetings that are conducted monthly at the Agency.
⦁ Actively participates in the Quality Assessment Performance Improvement activities.
⦁ Participates in Orientation program for Home Health and Hospice team members.
⦁ Provides supervision of Occupational therapy assistants and Home Health/Hospice aides, as appropriate.
1. Licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
2. Experience in home health, public health, or acute care preferred.
3. Ability to work both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
4. Bilingual in English and Cantonese. Mandarin is a plus.
5. Current CPR Certification.
6. Must pass health screening for TB clearance, physical examination and background check.
7. Familiar with different patient transferring techniques. Must pass a strength test for physical fitness for the job: able to lift up to 40 lbs from floor to waist level.
8. Must be able to travel via public transportation or personal/department vehicle for performance of job duties. If driving, must have and maintain a valid CA driver license, satisfactory driving record, and auto insurance coverage as specified in Self-Help's policy.
Self-Help for the Elderly is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmation Action Employer and we welcome diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristics protected by law. We participate in E-Verify.
Qualified applicants with criminal history will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.
We may provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please call (415) 677-7600 for special assistance.
Candidates must be licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy and have experience in home health or acute care preferred. Bilingual skills in English and Cantonese are required, and candidates must pass health screenings and background checks.
Market context
Occupational Therapist positions in California are typically in steady demand across schools, outpatient settings, and healthcare facilities, especially for candidates who already meet state licensure requirements. These roles are competitive because employers often look for an accredited OT degree, California license eligibility, and current AHA Basic Life Support certification. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this platform to save time, then confirm your license status and BLS credentials before applying.
