Occupational Therapist - Acute Care Hospital
Fort Worth, Texas
John Peter Smith Hospital

Occupational Therapist - Acute Care Hospital (Travel/Contract)

Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Shift: Day, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (40 hours/week)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Evaluate and implement Occupational Therapy plans of care to prevent illness/disability and restore function after injury or illness.
• Work primarily in an acute/inpatient setting with a productivity expectation of 12 patients per day.
• Help patients improve physical health, prevocational skills, homemaking skills, activities of daily living, educational, recreational, and social activities.
• Address sensorimotor, cognitive, and psychosocial components.
• Design and construct splints and adaptive equipment as needed.
• Document patient care and charges.
• Provide leadership and direction to support staff and Occupational Therapy students.
• Participate in professional development and continuing education to maintain licensure compliance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Occupational Therapist license in Texas.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience as an Occupational Therapist within the last year.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Customer service principles.
• Age-appropriate care skills for patients served.
• Proficiency with hospital and Radiology Information Systems.
• Professional attitude and role modeling.
• Ability to concentrate despite distractions.
• Analytical skills for data interpretation and decision-making.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Maintain professional demeanor and promote good interpersonal relationships.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged standing, sitting, walking, reading, writing, talking, and computer use.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication via phone and in person.
• Clear speaking ability for instruction and information delivery.
• Visual acuity for reading computer screens and printed materials.
• Manual dexterity for palpation, typing, writing, and handling objects/forms.
• Flexibility and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, standing, reaching, lifting, and moving objects/equipment (up to ~25 lbs with assistance).
• Ability to meet physical demands with or without reasonable accommodations.

Work Environment

• Indoor work with possible schedule changes, variable hours, overtime, and occasional weekend shifts on short notice.
• Local travel between multiple sites may be required.
• Exposure to temperature changes, hazardous fumes, odors, and infectious agents (e.g., HIV, Hepatitis B, TB).
• Noisy environment with frequent interruptions and distractions.
• Work may involve stressful pressures and deadlines.
• Uniform and accessory restrictions may apply.

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license or state ID).
• Background check including SS trace, county searches (last 7 years), nationwide, and sex offender registry.
• Education verification of initial and most recent related degrees.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start date.
• Negative TB test (TSpot or QGold) within 1 year; chest X-ray if TB positive.
• Up-to-date immunizations or titers for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (TDAP required; exemptions require facility approval)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or 2 vaccines; boosters if low titer)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, declination, or vaccine series)
  • Varicella (titer, 2 vaccines, or history of disease; boosters if low titer)
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 30 days of start (instant tests not accepted).
• Annual TB questionnaire.
• Two professional references verified within one year of start.
• Skills checklist updated annually and valid at start date.

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) required (AHA preferred).

Additional Notes

• Candidates must complete facility-specific onboarding documents electronically prior to start.
• Occupational Health appointment required before or on first day for final clearance.
• Flu vaccine or approved medical/religious exemption required year-round; exemptions must be submitted at least one week prior to start.
• COVID vaccination is highly encouraged but not mandatory.

This position offers a structured day shift schedule with a focus on acute inpatient occupational therapy services, requiring strong clinical skills, physical stamina, and compliance with comprehensive health and safety documentation.