Outpatient Occupational Therapist
Alpena, Michigan
MyMichigan Medical Center Alma

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Location: Alpena, Michigan
Employment Type: Permanent

Job Overview

• Primarily outpatient setting with occasional float to acute care.
• Responsible for patient-focused occupational therapy including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation.
• Delegates responsibilities to Occupational Therapist Assistants and Aides.
• Develops and updates individualized treatment plans in coordination with physicians.
• Provides education to patients, families, and caregivers regarding conditions and treatment rationale.
• Supervises Occupational Therapist Assistants, Home Health Aides, and students.
• Functions as case manager for assigned cases.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and promotes occupational therapy services within the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient function using formal and informal testing (skeletal, neurological, respiratory, cardiovascular, developmental, social, cognitive).
• Develop goal-specific treatment regimes and schedules tailored to patient tolerance.
• Document patient responses and treatment changes in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Provide treatment interventions to restore or facilitate optimal functioning.
• Educate patients and caregivers on home programs and treatment routines.
• Promote education and development among staff and students.
• Participate in process improvement and program development initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to organizational policies.

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Exposure to stressful situations including trauma, grief, and death.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including latex or substitutes.
• Mobility to move freely within the facility, with or without assistive devices.
• 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.
• Medium physical demand: occasional lifting/carrying 21-50 lbs, frequent lifting of 20 lbs, constant handling of 10 lbs.
• Required dexterity for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling.

Required Certifications & Licensure

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

Education & Experience

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

Skills & Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently with strong 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 (American Occupational Therapy Association) membership preferred.
• Mandatory annual OSHA training according to Exposure Control Plan.

Values & Behavior Standards

• Commitment to excellence, integrity, teamwork, and accountability.
• Emphasis on compassionate, respectful, and professional patient care.
• Encouragement of collaboration, continuous improvement, and ethical behavior.
• Adherence to standards including patient safety, privacy, confidentiality, and professional communication.

Contract Length

• Not specified (Permanent position).

This summary is intended for healthcare recruiters and professionals considering this Occupational Therapist position.