Occupational Therapists at NCEFT work with children and adults with a variety of diagnoses. Occupational therapists provide medically necessary treatment in a clinic setting and/or in an outdoor setting using equine movement as a therapeutic tool (previous equine or hippotherapy experience not required). A background in child development or pediatric OT and physical dysfunction is strongly recommended. We provide onsite training and support for attendance to the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level I training. Current California OT license required. Reports to the Program Director.
Job Description and Requirements:
Conduct screenings of potential patient applications and determine appropriateness for NCEFT programs.
Conduct formal evaluations with written reportsto identify medically necessary occupational needs and determine suitability for OT interventions in either clinical setting and/or using equine movement as a treatment tool.
Develop therapeutic goals, implement appropriate interventions to address occupational deficits, treatment and discharge planning, and provide patient/caregiver education.
Perform 6-month progress review, and re-evaluate patients after a year to review treatment plans, goals, changes in medical status, etc. as needed.
Maintain up-to-date medical records for all patients including documentation of progress toward goals and written progress reports as required by physicians, insurance companies, parents, etc.
Work in a collaborative manner with therapists, staff, and volunteers to ensure smooth delivery of services.
Maintain professional liability insurance.
Maintain continuing education as required by state licensure
Attend and participate in NCEFT’s fundraisers and events
Physical Requirements:
Able to lift up to 20-35 pounds from the ground to waist height to assist clients.
Ability to walk and stand on uneven surfaces for up to 4 hours per day.
Ability to jog, without stopping, approximately up to 300 feet on an uneven surface.
Possess physical fitness and confidence to work around horses including side walking when necessary.
Qualifications:
Current CA license
Current Professional Liability insurance
Occupational Therapy experience of 2+ years preferred.
Thorough understanding or demonstrated interest in learning the principles and practices of hippotherapy.
Completion or planned completion of Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Pt. 1 through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) (we provide onsite training and a possibility for assistance to attend AHA Level I training course)
Current or planned membership in the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA).
Ability to mentor students if part-time and perform Clinical Instructor duties for fieldwork/intern students if full-time.
Ability to foster teamwork and represent the mission of NCEFT.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.