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Occupational Therapist- Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : San Diego, CA, 92103-2289
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
Overview
Position: Occupational Therapist (OT)
Location: Select Specialty Hospital San Diego
Schedule: PRN Compensation: $55.00 per hour
Select Specialty Hospital is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to providing world-class inpatient post-ICU services to chronic, critically ill patients who require extended healing and recovery. We help patients during some of the most vulnerable, painful moments of their lives – and Occupational Therapists (OT) play a central role in providing compassionate, excellent treatment every step of the way.
Why Join Us
- Start Strong: Extensive Occupational Therapist (OT) orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting.
- Opportunity for Advancement: Demonstrate your skills and dedication which could lead to potential full-time opportunities.
- Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care.
Responsibilities
- Participate in discharge planning for each patient, including placement, patient/family education and adaptive equipment
- Supervise certified occupational therapy assistants (OTAs), as well as OT and COTA students
- Conduct individual patient therapy regimens
- Monitor patients’ responses to treatment
- Participate in continuing education seminars and in-services
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Current state licensure as an Occupational Therapist required.
- Certified BLS or completion in first 90 days of employment required.
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
We will consider for employment all qualified Applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including but not limited to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance.
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Frequently asked questions
Opting for a per diem Occupational Therapist position in San Diego allows greater scheduling flexibility, ideal for balancing personal commitments. Unlike full-time roles, these positions offer variable shifts without long-term contracts, suiting professionals seeking intermittent work while maintaining clinical skills in a dynamic healthcare environment.
In California, maintaining an active state OT license is essential, complemented by certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS). Specialty hospitals in San Diego may also prioritize therapists with continuing education in critical illness recovery or post-ICU care, ensuring readiness to handle complex patient needs effectively.
Per diem OTs in critical illness recovery focus on personalized therapy plans, monitoring patient progress, collaborating in discharge planning, and supervising therapy assistants and students. Their role is pivotal in helping patients regain independence following extended ICU stays, demanding adaptability and clinical expertise.
Select Medical invests in new per diem OTs by providing comprehensive orientation programs tailored to their specialty hospital. This foundation facilitates a smooth transition, with ongoing opportunities to showcase skills that may lead to full-time roles, fostering career growth within a large, patient-centered organization.
San Diego's healthcare sector shows robust demand for per diem occupational therapists, especially within specialized recovery hospitals. Compared to larger metros like Los Angeles, San Diego offers a balanced patient load with competitive pay, attracting therapists interested in high-impact roles without urban congestion.
The $55 hourly wage at Select Medical aligns well with San Diego's median for per diem occupational therapists, reflecting the specialized skills required in critical illness recovery settings. This rate is competitive and acknowledges the flexibility and expertise demanded by the role in a premium healthcare environment.
Supervising in a per diem capacity entails quickly establishing leadership rapport, ensuring consistent treatment quality, and adapting to fluctuating team dynamics. At Select Medical, managing assistants and students requires balancing hands-on guidance with maintaining efficient therapy delivery in a specialized hospital setting.
While per diem therapists enjoy flexible schedules and varied clinical experiences, senior OTs often assume leadership roles with increased responsibilities like program development and mentorship. In San Diego, advancing from per diem to senior status typically involves demonstrating clinical excellence and commitment within specialized healthcare facilities.
Select Medical cultivates a collaborative and compassionate environment, emphasizing patient-centered care. Per diem OTs benefit from structured orientation and a supportive team ethos, which enhances both professional satisfaction and the ability to deliver tailored therapies in high-acuity inpatient settings.
Staying current with California licensure, BLS certification, and specialized continuing education in critical care rehabilitation are key. Networking within local occupational therapy groups and targeting hospitals like Select Medical that value flexibility and expertise can enhance opportunities for per diem positions in the San Diego area.