Occupational Therapist – Acute Care Hospital
Saint Joseph, MO
Host Healthcare
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Occupational Therapist - Acute Care Hospital

Location: Saint Joseph, Missouri
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

Join a dynamic, patient-centered rehabilitation team in an acute hospital setting. As a Travel Occupational Therapist (OTR), you will support patients’ recovery during hospitalization, helping them regain independence and function through compassionate, evidence-based therapy.

Schedule

• 5 days per week, 8-hour day shifts
• Variable start time between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM
• One weekend day shift per month (rotation)
• No on-call required
• Flexibility to adjust start time (9:00-9:30 AM) on certain surgery days

Responsibilities

• Conduct 6–7 scheduled evaluations or reassessments daily
• Respond to new referrals until 1:00 PM
• Collaborate with peers and other therapy disciplines to manage caseloads
• Adapt to changing patient loads and needs daily
• Encourage patient participation, even if patients are physically or emotionally unwell
• Prioritize patient needs and promote rehabilitation-based recovery

Required Qualifications

• Licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR) with state licensure in Missouri
• NBCOT certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Minimum 1 year of Occupational Therapy experience
• First-time travel therapists are welcome
• Experience with patient ratios of approximately 1:7-9
• EPIC electronic health record experience preferred

Professional Attributes

• Strong communication skills and bedside manner
• Highly organized and able to manage changing priorities
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Compassionate with a flexible, patient-first mindset

Additional Requirements & Compliance

• Background checks including national, state, and county searches within 30 days of start
• Education verification with official transcript or diploma
• Drug screening within 30 days of start
• Physical exam within the last 12 months
• Immunizations and/or titers for Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B, and seasonal flu vaccination (or approved exemption)
• Fit testing completed onsite
• Professional references (2) within 3 years of start
• Employment application, skills checklist, and work history verification required
• Missouri EDL search within 30 days of start

Work Attire

• Scrubs must be solid color (no prints), with 10 approved colors

Why Join?

• Supportive, multidisciplinary team culture
• Flexible scheduling and shift start times
• On-site training available for hospital-based edema management
• Strong potential for contract extension and permanent hire opportunities
• Mission-driven environment focused on patient empowerment and recovery

Note: This position does not require prior travel experience.