Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Job Description

About the Opportunity

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Health Services Agency is seeking a compassionate and skilled certified occupational therapy assistant with pediatric experience serving children with complex medical conditions. They demonstrate expertise in implementing treatment plans and evidence-based interventions under the direction of an occupational therapist, while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams, caregivers, and families. The candidate is organized, adaptable, and committed to providing culturally responsive, family-centered care that supports improved functional outcomes for children served through the California Children’s Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Program (MTP).

To learn more about the Health Services Agency, http://schsa.org .

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: 11/09/2026

Oral Examination: Week of 11/16/2026

THE POSITION

Under medical direction and the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, the certified occupational therapy assistant implements occupational therapy interventions for physically disabled clients ranging in age from birth to 21 years who are eligible for services through the California Children's Services Medical Therapy Program. Services are primarily provided in an outpatient clinic setting but may also be provided within the home and community to address equipment needs and caregiver training. This classification requires specialized knowledge of pediatric care, occupational therapy laws and regulations, and participation in an interdisciplinary team with parents, caregivers, and other professionals. The certified occupational therapy assistant is expected to use clinical reasoning to carry out and adapt treatment interventions within the parameters of the established plan of care based on the patient’s response, while communicating significant changes to the occupational therapist.

Questions? We're Here to Help!

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, the recruitment process, or need assistance with your application, please contact the Health Services Agency Recruitment Team at HSA-Recruit@schsa.org.

Typical Tasks

• Implements individualized treatment plans designed by the Occupational Therapists;
• Report patient response to treatment and changes in patient’s functional status to the occupational therapist;
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patients with therapeutic activities and functional tasks;
• Maintains accurate records and prepares written patient progress reports;
• Assists in gathering patient assessment data;
• Assist in evaluating for and ordering durable medical equipment and orthotics and instruct patients and caregivers in its use;
• Provide activities of daily living (ADL) training and caregiver education to promote functional independence in self-care activities, consistent with the established plan of care;
• Participate in the IEP process and represent the Medical Therapy Program;
• Attend clinics, case conferences, staff meetings, and in-service training;
• Consult with patient's caregivers and any other agencies involved in the care of assigned patients;
• Maintains treatment areas, equipment and supplies in a clean, safe, and organized condition; may adjust and make minor repairs to equipment.
• Performs other related duties.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrate, to patients and others, acceptable therapeutic techniques in a wide variety of occupational therapies;
• Follow, understand, and implement a licensed therapist’s written or oral directions regarding occupational therapy treatment plans;
• Maintain records of treatments administered;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients/families, co-workers and a variety of medical-professional staff;
• Maintain excellent customer relations;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Motivate patients;
• Utilize computers and standard office automation equipment;
• Complete accurate medical records and/or charts; prepare reports;
• Physical stamina to assist patients with mobility and exercise activities.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in physical therapy;
• Basic principles of anatomy and physiology;
• Safe methods of positioning patients for treatment;
• Body mechanics and safety procedures;
• Possible hazards to patients during treatment and necessary precautionary and remedial measures;
• Basic medical record keeping; basic computer operations, including pertinent software.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program or equivalent.

License and Certificate

• Possess and maintain a current license as an Occupational Therapy Assistant by the California Board of Occupational Therapy (CBOT)
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; depending on the nature of assignment.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-558-7192 to make other arrangements before 5 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community and Health bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.
• Ability to understand and communicate in English sufficiently to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER

Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 11/9/2026 5:00 PM Pacific