Occupational Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Northridge, CA, 91328
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 47.31-70.38 HOUR
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
We are seeking an experienced Occupational Therapist to join our team. The successful candidate will provide high-quality occupational therapy services to our patients including assessment treatment planning implementation and evaluation. Our ideal candidate will have excellent communication skill and the ability to work collaboratively with clients their families and other healthcare professionals.
- Conduct thorough evaluations to determine patients' needs and goals
- Develop customized treatment plans based on assessments
- Provide effective occupational therapy interventions and techniques
- Monitor and document patient progress
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care
- Educate patients, families, and caregivers on strategies and techniques for continued progress
- Graduate of an approved school of Occupational Therapy holding a baccalaureate degree or higher.
- Current California OTR/L license
- Recent graduates who are board-eligible will be considered for provisional appointments.
- Therapists wishing to practice in the area of advanced certification (PAMs hand swallowing) must present a license with advanced competencies.
- Current AHA BLS required
- Fire Safety training must be completed within 90 days of employment.
Founded in 1955, Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center is a 394-bed, acute care, nonprofit community hospital located in Northridge, California. The hospital offers a full complement of award winning services, including the Leavey Cancer Center, a cardiovascular center, stroke center, the Center for Assault Treatment Services, a pediatric medical center, and the only pediatric trauma center in the San Fernando Valley. As a leading provider of compassionate, high-quality and affordable patient-centered care, we share a rich legacy with Dignity Health, one of the nation’s five largest health care systems. We are part of a 21-state network of nearly 9,000 physicians, 62,000 employees and more than 400 care centers. Visit here dignityhealth.org/northridgehospital for more information.
One Community. One Mission. One California
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Frequently asked questions
Northridge's healthcare sector shows steady demand for occupational therapists, especially in community hospitals like Catholic Health Initiatives. While competition exists, candidates with California OTR/L licenses and advanced certifications tend to stand out, reflecting a balanced but opportunity-rich environment for occupational therapy professionals.
In addition to the California OTR/L license, proficiency in advanced competencies such as PAMS, hand therapy, or swallowing therapy enhances candidacy. Hospitals in Northridge, including Catholic Health Initiatives, prioritize therapists who maintain current AHA BLS certification and complete fire safety training within three months of hire.
Occupational therapists focus on enabling patients to perform daily living and work activities through tailored interventions. Unlike physical therapy, which emphasizes mobility, occupational therapy integrates customized treatment plans addressing cognitive, physical, and emotional challenges, ensuring holistic patient functionality and independence.
Strong communication, interdisciplinary collaboration, and specialized certifications like advanced hand or swallowing therapy significantly boost advancement prospects. Staying updated with evidence-based practices and demonstrating leadership in patient care initiatives are crucial for occupational therapists aiming to elevate their roles in California’s dynamic healthcare landscape.
New graduates who are board-eligible may receive provisional appointments, offering hands-on experience under supervision. The environment fosters skill development through collaborative care, with access to interdisciplinary teams and training in advanced therapy techniques, making it an excellent entry point for emerging occupational therapists.
Catholic Health Initiatives offers exposure to diverse patient populations across specialties like stroke, pediatric trauma, and cancer care. This breadth, combined with a strong organizational commitment to affordable, compassionate care, supports therapists in broadening competencies and advancing within a respected, multi-state healthcare network.
Occupational therapists in Northridge generally earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, reflecting regional healthcare demand and cost of living. Salaries at Catholic Health Initiatives align with these figures, often supplemented by benefits, making the compensation competitive within Southern California’s occupational therapy market.
Positions at Catholic Health Initiatives emphasize collaborative scheduling and comprehensive support, fostering manageable caseloads and professional growth. Located in Northridge, therapists benefit from a community-oriented environment with accessible amenities, contributing to a balanced lifestyle alongside rewarding clinical work.
Northridge offers a more community-focused setting with potentially lower patient volume per therapist compared to central Los Angeles. This allows for deeper patient engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration, while still benefiting from proximity to a major urban center’s resources and professional networks.
Many assume occupational therapists only assist with physical rehabilitation, but their role extends to cognitive, sensory, and psychosocial interventions that enhance daily living skills. In acute care hospitals such as Northridge, therapists also play crucial roles in discharge planning and educating families, which are vital for sustained patient recovery.