Occupational Therapist (Pediatric)- Utah State Hospital

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Provo, UT

4d•$37 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

The Utah State Hospital is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join its Pediatric team in Provo, Utah. The role serves patients ages 6–18 and focuses on building independence and improving quality of life through individualized occupational therapy and meaningful occupations. New graduates are welcome to apply. The Occupational Therapist conducts assessments and designs therapeutic interventions addressing functional barriers related to mental illness. Individual and group interventions support life skills, activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), functional cognition, social skills, emotional regulation, and sensory modulation. Treatment is tailored to patients’ interests, developmental needs, abilities, and goals, with an emphasis on applying skills in daily routines. The position is full-time, in-office/on-site at Utah State Hospital in Provo. It offers an hourly wage of $37.34–$44.82 and is eligible for a full benefits package. Salary depends on experience. Applicants must pass required pre-employment and routine background checks; a drug test is also required.

Requirements

Certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Utah licensure as an Occupational Therapist, or the ability to obtain it.
Ability to pass required pre-employment and routine criminal history background checks.
Ability to complete the required drug test.
Ability to meet the role's physical demands, including standing, walking over rough surfaces, bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and repeatedly or for extended periods lifting items up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Ability to assess and treat physical, cognitive, sensory, or social limitations affecting participation in daily activities in a pediatric population.
Experience with group interventions and evidence-supported practice.
Effective communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, initiative, and self-direction, including the ability to manage competing priorities, anticipate needs, and follow through on responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Evaluate patient needs and provide individualized occupational therapy to improve participation and independence in ADLs, IADLs, life skills, functional cognition, social skills, and sensory modulation.
Plan and lead individual and group sessions using purposeful interventions tailored to each patient's interests, developmental needs, abilities, and treatment goals.
Document and communicate patient progress and responses to treatment.
Collaborate with OT colleagues and an interdisciplinary care team, including psychiatrists, medical doctors, nurses, and social workers, to coordinate care and support carryover of skills into daily routines.
Conduct assessments and design interventions addressing functional barriers related to mental illness.
Help patients build independence in age-appropriate self-care and daily routines.
Help patients practice attention, initiation, sequencing, problem-solving, and task completion through meaningful activities.
Use shared activities to support communication, cooperation, coping strategies, emotional regulation, and everyday interactions.
Help patients recognize sensory needs and use individualized strategies to support regulation and participation in daily activities.

Benefits

Full benefits package.
Multiple medical plan options, including a High-Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account; an opt-out cash benefit is available.
Multiple dental and vision plan options.
Accrual of 4 hours of annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave per pay period, with accrual rates increasing with state longevity.
12 paid holidays per year.
10% employer contribution to a Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II), with a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or Defined Contribution Plan option.
Access to a UTA Bus Pass.
On-site cafeteria with meals, snacks, and drinks available for purchase.
Access to the Utah State Hospital Disc Golf Course.
Access to comfort rooms on campus and other mental wellness benefits.
Job stability, career growth opportunities, meaningful work, and a supportive work environment.