Occupational Therapist
Company : Reliant Rehabilitation
Location : Merced, CA, 95348
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 7 January 2026
Overview
When you join Reliant’s therapy team, you join a team that makes a very real impact in the lives of the patients and residents we serve. As a leading rehab therapy provider for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), Reliant therapists provide necessary rehabilitation services for our most vulnerable population.As a Reliant therapist, you also have the opportunity to advance your career through our continuing education platform, climbing our clinical ladder and utilizing the opportunity to serve with others who are working at the top of their discipline. Our executive team started their own careers as therapists working with patients, and we take great pride in promoting from within the company.We also have a team of clinicians who provide continuing training, as well as systems and proven protocols to help ensure everyone is providing therapy in the most effective way for the patients and the most compliant way to help ensure our SNF partners are covered.Why Reliant:
- Reliant is the largest independent rehab therapy provider to skilled nursing facilities and long-term acute hospitals (LTACHs)
- Great Corporate Support
- Therapy company ran by Therapists with decades of experience
- A company that desires for you to grow as a therapist and as a leader in our industry
- Currently in 38+ states in approximately 850 buildings with plenty of opportunities that fit any therapists needs in location, schedule, or development
Reliant Benefits May Include:
- Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance
- Multiple plans to choose from
- Life Insurance (Free and add-on)
- 401K
- PTO (Increased over time)
- Competitive Pay Packages
- Voluntary Short Term and Long Term Disability
- CEU Courses provided by CEU 360
- Tuition Repayment Programs
- Clinical Leadership Support
- Flexible Schedules
Please note this range is an estimate and may vary based on experience
#LI-LD1Responsibilities
Occupational Therapist Full time
PRN Opportunity Available!!
Summary: Provide occupational therapy (OT) and related services for patients while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of occupational therapy and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines. Provide quality patient care including: screening and evaluation of patients, development of initial and ongoing treatment plans of care, discharge plan, supervision of assistants and rehab techs, and case management responsibilities. Maintain professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation’s commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with facilities and clients. Adhere to all state and federal regulations regarding occupational therapy.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Optimize the functionality and skills of patients by providing, directing, and/or overseeing occupational therapy
- Provide consultation and clinical supervision to COTAs.
- Directly supervise COTAs and Rehab Techs in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes efficient and effective utilization of resources and facilitates the ongoing development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts, Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA), and Reliant Rehabilitation policy.
- Build a strong occupational therapy program
- Enhance clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities.
- Maintain valid state license. Maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of occupational therapy and the health care environment.
- Understands various relevant payment models related to billing and treatment guidelines, as well as clinically appropriate means/modes of delivery. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
- Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facility.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English: instructions, correspondence, charts, memos, and reports
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
- Graduate of an ACOTE accredited school of occupational therapy.
Computer Skills:
- Computer literate and proficient in clinical documentation
- Basic Internet navigation skills
Certificates and Licenses:
- Valid certification from the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
- Valid Occupational Therapist state license (where applicable)
Interested in learning about us or other opportunities? Please visit our website.
*complete job description available upon request
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Frequently asked questions
Merced has a growing need for occupational therapists due to its expanding senior care and rehabilitative services sector. Compared to metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, the competition is less intense, offering a favorable hiring environment for occupational therapists seeking positions in skilled nursing and rehab facilities.
In addition to the standard NBCOT certification and valid California state license, Merced employers often value continuing education in geriatric and neurological rehabilitation. Certifications related to skilled nursing facility protocols and infection control can enhance your candidacy in this region.
Occupational therapists focus on enabling patients to perform daily living and work-related activities, emphasizing fine motor skills and cognitive adaptations. Unlike physical therapists, OTs design individualized treatment plans that integrate both physical and environmental modifications to promote patient independence.
Occupational therapists can progress into leadership positions such as clinical supervisors or therapy directors. Additional training in management, healthcare regulations, and advanced clinical certifications can open pathways to roles influencing therapy program development and interdisciplinary team leadership.
Reliant prioritizes internal promotion and offers a structured clinical ladder alongside continuing education through CEU 360. Therapists benefit from leadership support and tailored professional growth opportunities, distinguishing Reliant as a company invested in cultivating therapist expertise and leadership.
Beyond competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, Reliant provides therapists with a collaborative environment led by experienced clinician-executives. Their focus on evidence-based protocols and flexible scheduling helps therapists deliver effective care while balancing personal and professional growth.
Occupational therapists in Merced typically earn between $70,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and credentials. Factors like Reliant’s corporate support and benefits package can enhance overall compensation, making it competitive within California’s skilled nursing rehab sector.
Balancing effective delegation with direct patient care is key. Therapists must ensure assistants adhere to clinical guidelines while optimizing treatment efficiency. Navigating regulatory compliance and maintaining team motivation in a dynamic SNF environment also require strong communication and leadership skills.
Therapists must stay updated on state practice acts and federal guidelines such as OBRA, documenting treatment plans accurately and ensuring interventions meet billing and clinical standards. Continuous education and adherence to infection control protocols are essential to maintain regulatory compliance.
Treatments often focus on elderly patients recovering from strokes, injuries, or chronic conditions. Reliant therapists tailor interventions to improve daily living skills and cognitive function, using evidence-based methods and ongoing assessments to modify plans for optimal patient independence.