Job Details
Description
Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Program Manager and with clinical guidance from Occupational Therapy staff, the Occupational Therapist I is an entry-level role responsible for providing diagnostic and therapeutic occupational therapy services to a full caseload of patients. This position participates in departmental programs, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Total Rehab Care caseload spans newborn through geriatric populations, while Behavioral Health serves adults age 18+. In accordance with licensure, the Occupational Therapist I supervises Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs), rehabilitation aides, and may supervise students when experience and clinical competency meet departmental and national guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct comprehensive patient assessments in accordance with licensure and departmental standards
Design, implement, and adapt individualized therapy interventions and patient/family education plans
Maintain accurate, timely clinical documentation per regulatory and departmental requirements
Apply critical thinking to patient care, integrating physiological, psychological, age-specific, socio-economic, and educational factors
Provide discharge planning recommendations, including transitions of care and community resource utilization
Supervise and mentor assistants, aides, students, observers, and volunteers as applicable
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy
Experience
One (1) year of relevant experience preferred (new graduates encouraged to apply)
Licensure & Certification
Current Maryland Occupational Therapy license or temporary Maryland license pending state board examination or reciprocity
Current BLS certification required (BLS not required for Behavioral Health positions)
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of occupational therapy treatment interventions
Strong assessment, clinical reasoning, and treatment-planning skills
Ability to evaluate patient progress and modify treatment plans as needed
Effective communication skills with patients, families, and interdisciplinary teams
Physical & Working Conditions
Ability to perform patient handling and therapeutic activities, including lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling as required
Requires fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and sustained attention to detail
May involve exposure to blood and body fluids and other healthcare-related environmental conditions
Why Join Us?
Supportive clinical leadership and collaborative team environment
Opportunity to work with diverse patient populations across the lifespan
Professional growth through mentorship, education, and interdisciplinary practice
Happy to Help
At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.
Qualifications
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Basic Life Support
Equal Opportunity Employer
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