Occupational Therapist

At Mahaska Health an Occupational Therapist provides comprehensive evaluation, treatment, and ongoing assessment for patients across inpatient, outpatient, and emergency settings. This role supports functional recovery, independence, and quality of life through evidence‑based interventions, patient education, and collaborative care planning. The therapist maintains timely documentation, communicates effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and providers, and contributes to departmental operations, program development, and quality improvement initiatives within Mahaska Health's rural healthcare environment.

Essential job responsibilities include but are not limited to,

• Evaluate/assess the patient/client and determine a treatment plan using approved examination and evaluation procedures. Interpret evaluation findings and communicate the treatment plan to the patient/client, family, caregiver and care team.
• Prepare necessary documentation including evaluations, daily notes, progress notes, updated plan of cares, discharge summaries and logs in a timely manner according to federal, state and facility-specific rules and regulations.
• Consult with other members of the rehabilitation team to select treatment programs consistent with the needs and capabilities of the patient and to coordinate comprehensive services delivery.
• Develop effective home programs to maintain and enhance patient performance in his/her environment.
• Develop treatment protocols/procedures using evidence-based guidelines, patient-specific goals, timely documentation, and discharge recommendations.
• Develop and initiate referrals from licensed healthcare professionals. Respond in a timely manner to referrals. Develop effective rapport with referring healthcare practitioners.
• Present a positive service-oriented approach with patients, family, caregivers, facility staff, and co-workers at all times.
• Monitor patient progress and modify the treatment plan and procedures as appropriate. Review the patient treatment program to maintain effective and efficient quality service.
• Train therapists in skills and techniques required for participation in activities and evaluate therapists' functional progress.
• Assist with orientation of new staff, volunteers, and students.
• Supervise occupational therapy assistants in accordance with federal and state regulations.
• Assist with equipment maintenance and monitor supply inventory.
• Demonstrate ongoing commitment to reducing costs and improving productivity in the rehabilitation department.
• Demonstrate the ability to handle changing schedule of patients/clients.
• Maintain positive working relationship with the healthcare team, patient/client, family and caregiver.
• Assist with Quality Assurance reports and records. Complete facility reports as required.

Job Requirements include but are not limited to,

• Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Current Occupational Therapy licensure and board certification in accordance with state regulations.
• Ability to read, comprehend, and prepare clinical documentation and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one‑on‑one settings with patients, families, caregivers, and staff.
• Ability to relate positively, professionally, and cooperatively with others.

The work environment includes, but is not limited to:

• Work performed in a well‑lighted, well‑ventilated rural hospital setting, including inpatient units, outpatient therapy spaces, emergency departments, and clinical support areas.
• Frequent movement throughout the facility to evaluate patients, collaborate with providers, and support care coordination.
• Regular interaction with patient care areas such as exam rooms, therapy gyms, procedure rooms, and shared clinical workstations.
• Managing a workflow that may involve high‑stress or fast‑paced situations, particularly in emergency or peak‑volume periods.
• Scheduled hours may vary and include evenings, nights, weekends, and holiday coverage depending on operational needs.
• Regular interaction with patient care areas, including exam rooms, procedure rooms, triage spaces, and shared clinical workstations, as well as collaboration with adjacent departments such as laboratory, radiology, or specialty clinics when coordinating patient care.
• Occasional exposure to moderate noise levels, including patient activity, therapy equipment, and routine hospital operations.
• Intermittent contact with cleaning agents or disinfectants, consistent with standard infection‑control practices in outpatient healthcare settings.
• Frequent collaboration with clinical and non‑clinical staff, requiring movement throughout the facility and engagement in multidisciplinary discussions to support care coordination and efficient patient flow.
• Prolonged periods of standing, walking, lifting, and assisting patients, including transferring or supporting individuals with mobility limitations.
• Frequent communication with nursing staff, physicians, ancillary departments, and leadership to coordinate safe patient care.
• Occasional light lifting of binders, equipment, or supplies up to approximately 20 pounds.