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Occupational Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Santa Cruz, CA, 95065
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 65.93-76.45 HOUR
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Position Summary:
Provides age appropriate assessment and therapy for patients of all ages with a hand and/or upper extremity illness or injury requiring therapy to restore function. The goal is to provide objective testing treatment and education-training which promote patient understanding and compliance in the recovery process. Therapist is required to document monitor progress and report patients status to the referring physician. Duties also include participation in team meetings and program development under the direct supervision of the Hand Rehabilitation Supervisor.
Job Requirements
Minimum:
- One (1) year of experience as an O.T.R. in physical disabilities setting, preferably in acute care or acute rehabilitation OR completion of six (6) to nine (9) months internship in an acute care or acute rehab unit.
- Knowledge of Occupational Therapy theory, treatment, and evaluation in the areas of neurology is recommended.
- Must be a graduate of an accredited school of Occupational Therapy with a minimum of B.A. or B.S.
- Current license by the California Board of Occupational Therapy
- Current AHA BLS (CPR) certification required.
Preferred:
- Membership of AOTA and OTAC is advisable.
Dominican Hospital (a member of Dignity Health) is a 222-bed facility that offers a wide range of services to residents of California’s Central Coast. With 24/7 emergency care, comprehensive care in cardiac, orthopedics, oncology, women’s and children’s services, we continue to lead the region in medical innovation and excellence in healthcare.
Comprehensive Care
Dominican offers emergency services and is a Certified Stroke Center and Chest Pain Center. Dominican’s services include the only comprehensive Cancer Center in Santa Cruz County, a Total Joint Replacement program, and advanced neurological and endoscopic services. Dominican regularly receives ‘A’ grades for hospital safety from Leapfrog Group, and has received national recognition for superior patient safety, cardiac care, and stroke treatment from Healthgrades, a leading provider of comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals.
As Santa Cruz County’s heart attack (STEMI) receiving center, Dominican Hospital provides cutting edge cardiac care. The hospital’s heart attack treatment times consistently beat the national average, and the hospital offers two cardiac catheterization labs available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Groundbreaking cardiac procedures at Dominican include the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure, which allows for heart valve replacement without opening a patient’s chest.
Dominican Hospital has forged significant partnerships with area hospitals to bring exceptional care to Santa Cruz County. The hospital offers a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) through a partnership with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford. Neurosurgery at Dominican is also offered through a partnership with Stanford Health Care.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
Santa Cruz experiences steady demand for occupational therapists due to its aging population and healthcare facilities like Dominican Hospital. Compared to larger metro areas in California, competition is moderate, offering good opportunities for OTs seeking roles in community-focused healthcare settings.
Besides holding a California Board of Occupational Therapy license, employers in Santa Cruz value current AHA BLS (CPR) certification. Affiliations with organizations like AOTA or OTAC can enhance credibility and networking within this region's healthcare community.
Expertise in objective assessment techniques, familiarity with neurological treatment approaches, and proficiency in educating patients on recovery strategies are key. Strong documentation and interdisciplinary communication skills further define specialists in hand and upper extremity therapy.
Advancement opportunities include becoming an OT supervisor, consultant, or manager. Some therapists specialize further in research, school-based therapy, or take leadership roles directing therapy programs, leveraging experience gained in settings like acute care or rehabilitation.
Daily tasks often blend patient evaluations, administering tailored therapy sessions, and detailed progress documentation. Participation in interdisciplinary team meetings and contributing to program development under supervision are integral to this role at Catholic Health Initiatives.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes comprehensive patient care within a collaborative environment, including access to advanced neurological and cardiac rehabilitation programs. Benefits often include professional development opportunities and involvement in innovative treatment approaches.
Occupational therapists in Santa Cruz typically earn between $85,000 and $105,000 annually, reflecting the region's cost of living and healthcare demand. Specialized roles or those with advanced certifications may command higher compensation aligned with regional healthcare standards.
Hospital-based OTs often address acute or complex cases requiring rapid assessment and multidisciplinary coordination, while outpatient therapists focus on longer-term rehabilitation plans and patient education, emphasizing continuity of care and functional independence.
Therapists must navigate fast-paced environments demanding precise documentation, adherence to state licensing requirements, and integration of neurological treatment knowledge. Balancing patient caseloads while ensuring compliance with clinical protocols is a common challenge.
Collaborations enable access to cutting-edge neurological and surgical expertise, enriching therapy programs with advanced treatment options. This synergy supports occupational therapists in delivering comprehensive care tailored to complex patient needs.