Outpatient Occupational Therapist
Valdez, AK
Access Healthcare
5x8 hrs, Days

Occupational Therapist (Outpatient) - Travel/Contract

Location: Valdez, Alaska
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Details

• Start Date: ASAP
• Shift: Day shift, 5 days a week, 8 hours per day (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
• Guaranteed Hours: 72 hours per 2 weeks (may be called off for one 8-hour shift every 2 weeks)
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Locals Accepted: No (candidate’s permanent address must be at least 50 miles from facility)
• First Timers Accepted: No
• Pending License Accepted: Yes
• On-call: No
• Floating: No
• Block Schedule: Yes, open to accommodating
• Separation Requirement: If previously worked as permanent staff at any related facility, must have a minimum 3-month separation before starting as a traveler

Unit Information

• Primarily outpatient pediatric population
• Department serves hospital (inpatient and swing bed), long-term care (LTC), skilled nursing facility (SNF), and outpatient settings
• Ability to transition between inpatient, outpatient, and LTC settings required

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 1 year of experience in Occupational Therapy specialty (higher years not indicated)
• Skills required:

  • Acute care disorders
  • Chronic disorders
  • Functional activities
  • Standardized assessments
  • Developmental testing and treatment
  • Mental retardation (intellectual disability)
• Preferred experience:

  • Outpatient, acute care, LTC/SNF, pediatrics
  • Prior pediatric and inpatient experience preferred
  • Knowledge of national patient safety goals/core measures, billing, feeding techniques (oral/motor), disability sequence test

Required Certifications & Licenses

• License: Valid Occupational Therapist license for Alaska (pending license accepted)
• Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) - AHA or Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation certification only
• Other certifications (if applicable) to be verified per clinical track

Housing & Transportation

• Housing provided: typically 1-bedroom apartments, available no earlier than 72 hours before contract start and must be vacated within 24 hours after contract end
• Pets are not allowed
• Housing typically accommodates only the traveler; additional family members require approval
• Housing must be cleaned upon departure or cleaning fees apply
• Vehicle provided: company-owned, shared-use vehicle available 72 hours before start and returned within 24 hours after end
• Only the traveler may operate the vehicle; valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required
• Personal vehicle insurance must cover rental cars
• Vehicle use limited to “around town” within a 30-mile radius; no off-road use
• Vehicle must be returned clean and with a full tank of gas
• Tire chains available at traveler’s expense
• Vehicle must be turned in during any time off and reissued upon return

Required Background & Compliance Checks

• Background check within 90 days covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years; updated annually
• Education verification required
• Drug screen: 9-panel within 12 months (instant acceptable)
• Physical exam within 1 year, signed by MD, NP, PA, or DO, indicating ability to work with or without accommodation
• Immunizations and health requirements:

  • TDAP within 10 years (declination accepted)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months, updated annually
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titer
  • Hepatitis B vaccination or signed declination (Alaska placements require positive titer and vaccine series)
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer
  • Seasonal flu vaccine during flu season (declination accepted)
  • COVID vaccination record preferred (declinations not required)
• Respiratory safety clearance required annually for travel candidates
• Fit mask test required annually for travel candidates (completed onsite if no valid record)

References & Employment History

• Minimum 2 references covering at least 1 year of employment in a comparable specialty/setting within the last 3 years
• Employment application required with at least last 5 years of employment history (7 years for advanced practice nurses or subcontractors)
• Clarification required for any gaps or overlaps in employment

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Occupational Therapist license in Alaska
• Minimum 1 year of Occupational Therapist experience, including experience within the last year
• Experience in outpatient, acute care, and long-term care settings
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Additional Requirements

• Must complete annual regulatory and specialty-specific training modules as assigned
• Photo for badge required (passport style, neutral background)
• Must comply with float policy acknowledgment (may be required to float to other nearby facilities)

Summary

This is a travel Occupational Therapist position focused on outpatient pediatric care with responsibilities spanning inpatient, outpatient, and long-term care settings. Candidates must have at least 1 year of OT experience, BLS certification, and meet comprehensive health, background, and compliance requirements. Housing and vehicle are provided with specific usage guidelines. Prior travel experience is not accepted for first-timers. The role requires flexibility for block scheduling and adherence to facility policies including floating if needed.