Pediatric Occupational Therapist (Feeding Disorders)
Murrieta, California
Rady Childrens Specialists of San Diego Murrieta

Job Opportunity: Occupational Therapist (Pediatrics) - Travel/Contract

Location: Murrieta, California
Contract Length: 20 weeks
Start Date: ASAP
Shift: Four 10-hour shifts (4x10s), Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM (off Wednesday)
Note: Start and end times may vary by about 30 minutes due to paperwork; patient care hours are 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
On-Call: No on-call requirements; may call off based on patient volume
Orientation: 1 to 2 weeks at a designated location for orientation/training

Job Description

• Provide occupational therapy services focused on pediatric patients with feeding and eating difficulties.
• Assess and treat pediatric feeding disorders including oral aversion, dysphagia, ARFID, failure to thrive, autism, developmental delays, motor and fine motor delays, sensory processing difficulties, and other genetic/developmental diagnoses.
• May also provide general pediatric developmental occupational therapy coverage.
• Caseload primarily includes patients 18 months and older (preferred experience with patients 8 months and older).
• Ability to independently evaluate and treat a full caseload with a primary focus on pediatric feeding disorders is required.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Pediatric Occupational Therapist license in California
• Minimum 1.5 years of experience as a Pediatric Occupational Therapist
• Recent experience working with pediatric patients within the last year
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• NBCOT certification (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy)
• Experience working with pediatric patients

Facility & Work Environment

• Pediatric specialty hospital recognized nationally for excellence (Magnet recognized, Beacon Award, Level 1 trauma center).
• Charting system: Epic
• Scrub color: Any
• Parking: Free for travelers

Additional Requirements & Compliance

• Valid photo ID (front and back) required on first day.
• Background checks including criminal, education verification, and federal exclusions must be current (within 30 days of start).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, signed by MD, DO, NP, PA, or APRN, confirming good health without restrictions.
• Fit testing for N95 masks within 1 year of start.
• Immunizations and health screenings required:

  • Tdap vaccine within 10 years (no declinations accepted)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray per facility protocol
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity documentation (positive titer or 2 vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B series or titer (with options for starting series pending)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination required during flu season (no declinations accepted)
• Negative 9-panel drug test (non-THC) within 30 days of start.
• Completion of facility-specific documents including confidentiality agreements, code of conduct, HIPAA & PHI forms, and professional accountability expectations prior to start.
• References: Two supervisory references verified within 1 year of start from clinical leadership (director, supervisor, or manager). Charge nurses not acceptable unless for return candidates with specific conditions.

Summary

This is a 20-week travel contract for an Occupational Therapist specializing in pediatrics with a focus on feeding and eating disorders. The position requires at least 1.5 years of relevant pediatric OT experience, NBCOT certification, and a California OT license (or eligibility to obtain). The role offers a structured schedule with no on-call duties and includes orientation/training. The facility is a nationally recognized pediatric hospital with a supportive work environment and comprehensive compliance requirements. First-time travel therapists are welcome to apply.