Occupational Therapist

Job Summary
We are seeking 3 dedicated and energetic Occupational Therapists (OTs) to join our dynamic Montana VA healthcare team. In this vital role, you will assess, plan, and implement personalized therapy programs to help Veterans and Families with independence and quality of life. OTs demonstrate a full professional understanding of the theories of treatment in occupational therapy and the proper application through the use of activity analysis, behavioral intervention, frame of references, and therapeutic procedures.

Locations to be determined based on selections of candidates. OT needs are at Fort Harrison, Missoula, and/or Kalispell. Programs include Caregiver Support Program (CSP) and Home-Based Primary Care (HBPC).

The CSP OT provides support of caregivers, Veterans, and family members throughout the medical center and in community settings and are responsible for developing and establishing linkages and collaborating on VA Caregiver Support efforts with community healthcare and social service agencies. The OTs are administratively responsible and accountable for program development and will need to possess knowledge and understanding of the services and benefits available for caregivers from both federal, state, and private sector resources.

The HBPC Occupational Therapist (OT) treatment site is in the homes of Veterans. The position is the sole OT on a multidisciplinary team for Home-Based Primary Care Services for their assigned area, and requires a high level of independence and problem solving ability. The OT creates and provides interventions to enhance safety, wellness, performance in ADL, instrumental IADL, education, work, play, leisure, and social participation.

Duties

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients' physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning using physiology knowledge, medical terminology, and anatomy expertise.
• Develop individualized care plans tailored to each patient's specific needs, goals, and medical conditions.
• Assist patients with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including dressing, grooming, feeding, and mobility to promote independence.
• Coordinate discharge planning by collaborating with healthcare teams to ensure smooth transitions from hospital to home or other care settings.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary teams—including speech therapists and case managers—to deliver holistic patient care.
• Provide therapy interventions across various settings such as inpatient units (acute care, ICU), outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health visits, early intervention programs, and school environments.
• Support patients with autism spectrum disorder through specialized interventions aimed at improving social skills and daily functioning.
• Manage case documentation diligently—maintaining accurate records of treatment progress, care plans, and therapy outcomes.
• Educate patients and their families on therapeutic exercises, adaptive techniques, and safety measures to enhance recovery and independence.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of best practices within the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program; licensure or certification as required by state or national governing bodies.
• Proven experience working in acute care settings such as ICU or hospital wards preferred; experience in skilled nursing facilities or post-acute care is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of physiology, anatomy, medical terminology, and functional assessment techniques.
• Experience working with diverse populations including geriatrics, pediatrics (including early intervention), individuals with disabilities or autism spectrum disorder.
• Familiarity with outpatient clinics, home health services, school-based therapy programs, and outpatient therapy environments.
• Ability to develop effective care plans tailored to individual needs while managing multiple cases efficiently.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with healthcare teams and educating patients/families effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team in fast-paced environments such as inpatient units or outpatient clinics.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in areas like occupational health or specialized therapy techniques. Join us in making a meaningful difference by helping individuals achieve their highest potential through expert occupational therapy

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $46.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Continuing education credits
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending