OT - Occupational Therapist - Skilled Nursing

Elderwood•Burlington, VT

About The Position

Elderwood is seeking a compassionate, clinically driven Occupational Therapist to join its skilled nursing and rehabilitation team. The role provides patient-centered therapy in a collaborative environment, helping older adults maximize independence, restore function, and participate safely in meaningful daily activities. The caseload includes geriatric and subacute residents with needs such as orthopedic recovery, neurological conditions, stroke recovery, cognitive and dementia-related challenges, ADL retraining, balance and safety concerns, and long-term maintenance therapy. The Occupational Therapist evaluates and treats residents recovering from illness, injury, surgery, stroke, orthopedic conditions, and functional decline. The therapist develops individualized programs focused on activities of daily living, mobility, safety, cognition, strength, and independence, and works with interdisciplinary colleagues to support rehabilitation outcomes and discharge planning. The position also involves clinical documentation, resident care planning, resident and family education, and mentorship or clinical support activities as needed. The role requires graduation from an approved occupational therapy school, a state license to practice, and a current valid CPR/BLS credential. Two years of occupational therapy experience is preferred. The candidate should have strong communication, interpersonal, documentation, problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership abilities, and be able to work effectively with geriatric and chronically ill residents, families, and staff. Intermediate or advanced English reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills are required for workplace communication and safety.

Requirements

Graduation from an approved school of occupational therapy.
State license to practice occupational therapy.
Current, valid CPR/BLS credential.
Ability to communicate well verbally and in writing.
Ability to direct others.
Sense of responsibility and ability to work well with residents, families, and other staff members.
Maturity, diplomacy, and ability to work well with others.
Ability to work in a friendly and helpful manner with geriatric and chronically ill residents and other professionals.
Ability to perform tasks to established standards of excellence.
Intermediate or more advanced ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in occupational therapy.
Interest in occupational therapy treatment programs for geriatric and subacute populations using a team approach.
Passion for improving resident independence and quality of life.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Creativity in treatment planning and problem-solving.
Team-focused mindset.
Excellent communication and documentation abilities.
Adaptability within a fast-paced rehabilitation environment.

Responsibilities

Provide skilled occupational therapy evaluations and treatments in accordance with physician orders.
Develop and update individualized treatment plans and care goals.
Evaluate and treat residents recovering from illness, injury, surgery, stroke, orthopedic conditions, and functional decline.
Develop therapy programs focused on ADLs, mobility, safety, cognition, strength, and independence.
Maintain timely, accurate clinical documentation.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams regarding resident progress and discharge planning.
Participate in resident care planning meetings.
Support resident and family education initiatives.
Assist with mentorship and clinical support activities, as needed.
Help residents safely return to meaningful daily routines and maximize quality of life.