Outpatient Occupational Therapist
West Branch, Michigan
West Branch Regional Medical Center

Occupational Therapist (OT) - Outpatient

Location: West Branch, Michigan
Employment Type: Permanent

Job Summary

Provide patient-focused occupational therapy services in acute and outpatient settings. Responsibilities include assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in accordance with occupational therapy standards and physician orders. Supervise Occupational Therapist Assistants, Home Health Aides, and students. Function as case manager for assigned cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient function using formal and informal testing (skeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, developmental, social, cognitive).
• Develop and update goal-specific treatment plans based on patient assessment and tolerance.
• Submit written treatment plans coordinated with physicians.
• Schedule treatment frequency and duration, coordinating with patients, families, and clinical staff.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on pathology, prognosis, and treatment rationale.
• Recommend and assist in securing adaptive/supportive equipment.
• Document patient responses and changes in condition per regulatory and affiliate policies.
• Complete daily documentation for billing and compliance.
• Provide treatment interventions to restore or facilitate optimal functioning.
• Educate patients/families on home programs using effective teaching methods.
• Communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external customers.
• Promote education and development among staff, students, and healthcare providers.
• Participate in program development, team conferences, and community education.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to organizational policies and procedures.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Exposure to stressful situations including trauma, grief, and death.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including latex or substitutes.
• Mobility throughout the facility with or without assistive devices.
• Vision and hearing adequate for job functions, with or without aids.
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and postural changes (stooping, kneeling, crouching).
• Some exposure to bloodborne pathogens; must follow infection control protocols.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, and maintain regular attendance.
• Dexterity required for handling, reaching, grasping, and repetitive movements.
• Medium physical demand: occasional lifting/carrying 21-50 lbs, frequent lifting 20 lbs, constant handling of 10 lbs.

Required Certifications and Licenses

• BLS (Basic Life Support) within 1 month of hire or transfer
• NBCOT (National Board Certification in Occupational Therapy)
• OTR (Occupational Therapist Registered)

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy required
• More than 1 year of experience preferred; new graduates considered
• Successful completion of facility-specific orientation and new hire competency

Skills and Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English
• Ability to work independently with problem-solving, organizational, and time management skills
• Ability to use PPE correctly and work in environments with communicable disease exposure
• Ability to perform essential job functions with reasonable accommodation
• Ability to demonstrate and teach treatment routines to professional and non-professional individuals
• AOTA membership preferred

Values and Behavior Standards

• Commitment to excellence, integrity, teamwork, and accountability
• Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, respect, and ethical behavior
• Supportive communication, patient safety, confidentiality, and service excellence

Contract Length

Not specified (Permanent position)

This summary is intended for healthcare recruiters and professionals considering this occupational therapist position.