Occupational Therapist- Acute/Behavioral Health (Full Time) - Duluth

Essentia Health•Duluth, MN

About The Position

Evaluates, plans, treats and implements care for patients in accordance with professional standards of the American Occupational Therapy Association and policies and procedures of Essentia Health. This is a full-time position working 40 hours per week, with flexible start times between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM, five days a week. It includes one weekend per month rotation. The role involves providing therapy evaluation, developing individualized treatment plans, implementing evidence-based interventions, patient/caregiver education, and discharge planning for a full patient caseload. It also includes all ancillary/administrative requirements such as documentation, billing, scheduling management, and other administrative duties. The therapist will demonstrate appropriate communication, professionalism, and supervision of support staff. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary care team and referring physicians is essential to ensure cohesive patient care and optimal clinical and financial outcomes. The position requires compliance with organizational policies and procedures and the code of conduct, and adherence to professional organization core values, code of ethics, and scope of practice. The therapist may need to work where patient need is highest, including flexing to other departments when home department schedule allows. Opportunities may arise to serve as a clinical instructor, participate in department or therapy discipline committees, and complete credential/certification that would benefit patient care. Specific to Inpatient Acute Care, responsibilities include coordinating and delivering durable medical equipment to patients and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to support smooth transitions of care. Ideal candidates will demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. For Lymphedema specialization, completion of a 135-hour lymphedema course or planned completion (pre-approved by Essentia leadership prior to employment) is required.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree, or Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy from accredited program
Current occupational therapy license in the state performing services

Nice To Haves

Completion of 135-hour lymphedema course or planned completion of course (pre-approved by Essentia leadership prior to employment)

Responsibilities

Provide therapy evaluation, develop individualized treatment plans, implement evidence-based interventions, provide patient/caregiver education, and discharge planning for a full patient caseload.
Provide all ancillary/administrative requirements for a full caseload of patients, including documentation, billing, scheduling management, and other administrative duties.
Demonstrate appropriate communication, professionalism and supervision of support staff (licensed assistants, aides, volunteers).
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary care team to ensure optimal clinical and financial outcomes.
Work closely with Essentia Health leadership and coordinate with referring physicians to ensure cohesive patient care.
Comply with organizational policies and procedures and the code of conduct.
Meet professional organization core values, code of ethics, &/or scope of practice.
Work where the patient need is highest (including flexing to other departments) when home department schedule allows.
May serve as a clinical instructor, participate in department or therapy discipline committees, and complete credential/certification that would benefit patient care.
Coordinate and deliver durable medical equipment to patients.
Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support smooth transitions of care.