Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapists at NCEFT work with children and adults with a variety of diagnoses. Occupational therapists provide medically necessary treatment in a clinic setting and/or in an outdoor setting using equine movement as a therapeutic tool (previous equine or hippotherapy experience not required). A background in child development or pediatric OT and physical dysfunction is strongly recommended. We provide onsite training and support for attendance to the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level I training.

Current California OT license required. Reports to the Program Director.

• Conduct screenings of potential patient applications and determine appropriateness for NCEFT programs.
• Conduct formal evaluations with written reports to identify medically necessary occupational needs and determine suitability for OT interventions in either clinical setting and/or using equine movement as a treatment tool.
• Develop therapeutic goals, implement appropriate interventions to address occupational deficits, treatment and discharge planning, and provide patient/caregiver education.
• Perform 6-month progress review, and re-evaluate patients after a year to review treatment plans, goals, changes in medical status, etc. as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date medical records for all patients including documentation of progress toward goals and written progress reports as required by physicians, insurance companies, parents, etc.
• Work in a collaborative manner with therapists, staff, and volunteers to ensure smooth delivery of services.
• Maintain professional liability insurance.
• Maintain continuing education as required by state licensure.
• Attend and participate in NCEFT’s fundraisers and events.

• Able to lift up to 20-35 pounds from the ground to waist height to assist clients.
• Ability to walk and stand on uneven surfaces for up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to jog, without stopping, approximately up to 300 feet on an uneven surface.
• Possess physical fitness and confidence to work around horses including side walking when necessary.

• Current CA license.
• Current Professional Liability insurance.
• Occupational Therapy experience of 2+ years preferred.
• Thorough understanding or demonstrated interest in learning the principles and practices of hippotherapy.
• Completion or planned completion of Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Pt. 1 through the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) (we provide onsite training and a possibility for assistance to attend AHA Level I training course).
• Current or planned membership in the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA).
• Ability to mentor students if part-time and perform Clinical Instructor duties for fieldwork/intern students if full-time.
• Ability to foster teamwork and represent the mission of NCEFT.