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Occupational Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Merced, CA, 95340
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Salary : 41.14-61.2 HOUR
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Provides occupational therapy services to patients in their place of residence under physician's orders: to evaluate the home for safety, to assess the functional needs of physically disabled patients, develop treatment goals, plan and implement appropriate treatment plans utilizing a variety of occupational therapy treatment procedures.
- Functions independently to identify, collect, and develop a data base of biophysical, environmental, self care, educational, emotional and discharge planning needs in order to establish priorities for patients in accordance with the patient's age, disorder, and ethnic background
- Identifies patients requiring specialized therapy services, including preventative, rehabilitative, and restorative care. Those requiring nursing, speech and physical therapy services, home health aide services and medical social services
- Performs assessment function including the patient's psychosocial, physical functional, and resource systems as required to assure competent therapy care provision.
- Applies prognostic muscle, nerve, joint, and functional tests in the assessment phase.
- Plans and develops care plans according to accepted national therapy practice standards and age-related issues. Evaluates progress and appropriateness that is consistent with established goals/outcomes. Demonstrates a working knowledge of Title 22, Medicare Conditions of participation, JCAHO standards, and admission/discharge criteria for home health agency services.
Minimum:
- Must possess and maintain a current Occupational Therapy license with the American Occupational Therapy Association or a California Board of Occupational Therapy license.
- Must possess and maintain a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate, we accept American Heart Association
- Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license and proof of auto insurance.
- Must provide a clean DMV printout.
Required:
- Previous home care experience.
- Second language skills in Spanish.
Mercy Medical Center, a Dignity Health member, has been building a rich history of care in our community for more than 100 years. We have grown from a small one-story wooden structure into a major healthcare provider with a new 186-bed main campus, offering the latest in facility design and technology. Mercy also operates Outpatient Centers, a Cancer Center and several rural clinics.
Wherever you work throughout our system, you will find faces of experience with dedication to high quality, personalized care. Joining our 1,300 employees, 230 physicians and many volunteers, you can help carry out our commitment to providing our community with the excellence they have come to associate with Mercy Medical Center.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
In Merced, CA, Occupational Therapists often support a diverse population with a significant number of Spanish-speaking patients, requiring bilingual communication skills. This region also emphasizes home-based therapy services due to the rural surroundings, which shapes treatment approaches compared to urban centers.
A valid California Occupational Therapy license and a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification are essential. Additionally, familiarity with state-specific regulations like Title 22 and Medicare conditions enhances compliance and quality care in California’s home health environment.
Occupational Therapists at Catholic Health Initiatives evaluate patients’ home environments for safety, develop personalized treatment plans, and coordinate with other health professionals. Emphasis is placed on functional assessments and culturally sensitive care tailored to the patient’s age and background.
Growth opportunities include transitioning to supervisory roles, specializing in pediatric or geriatric therapy, or moving into administrative positions such as therapy manager or director. The organization supports professional development, leveraging its extensive network and resources.
Merced exhibits moderate demand for Occupational Therapists driven by a growing aging population and rural healthcare needs. Employers prioritize candidates with home care experience and bilingual skills, which can provide a distinct advantage in this competitive market.
Occupational Therapists in Merced typically earn between $75,000 and $90,000 annually, reflecting regional cost of living and healthcare budgets. Licensure, experience, and specialized skills, such as Spanish fluency, can positively impact earning potential.
Yes, Catholic Health Initiatives offers comprehensive training on compliance standards, access to interdisciplinary teams, and technology to facilitate in-home patient assessments. Their commitment to community-focused care ensures therapists receive robust operational support.
Therapists at Catholic Health Initiatives often navigate rural logistics and diverse patient needs, including language barriers and varying home environments. Balancing regulatory compliance with personalized care in home settings requires adaptability and cultural competence.
Applicants who combine a California OT license, BLS certification, home care experience, and bilingual Spanish skills stand out. Demonstrated ability to independently manage patient assessments and develop culturally aware treatment plans aligns well with Catholic Health Initiatives’ expectations.
Therapists must tailor interventions respecting cultural values and language preferences, often requiring bilingual communication and culturally sensitive goal setting. Understanding these nuances enhances patient engagement and improves functional outcomes in the Merced community.