Occupational Therapist - Long-term Acute Care

Occupational Therapist Position

This Occupational Therapist opportunity is based in an established long-term acute care hospital in East Chicago, Indiana, serving patients who require extended recovery after serious illness or injury. East Chicago offers the best of both worlds: the welcoming feel of a close-knit community along the Lake Michigan shoreline combined with easy access to the cultural, dining, and entertainment options of nearby Chicago. Residents enjoy a lower cost of living than many major metropolitan areas while still benefiting from quick commutes to the city, access to beaches, parks, and waterfront recreation, as well as a variety of local festivals, restaurants, and family-friendly activities throughout Northwest Indiana. The LTAC environment provides an excellent platform for Occupational Therapists who want to build advanced skills and strengthen their resumes. You will work with a medically complex caseload, helping patients who are transitioning from intensive care or acute hospital stays and who require longer-term, goal-driven rehabilitation to regain independence. This setting is ideal for clinicians who value thorough, individualized care and the opportunity to see meaningful progress over time. The facility features a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to patient care, with Occupational Therapy working closely alongside Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Nursing, Respiratory Therapy, Physicians, Case Management, and Social Work. You can expect a supportive team culture where communication is encouraged, professional input is respected, and patient-centered decision-making is the norm. New ideas and evidence-based practices are welcomed, offering a conducive environment for professional growth and clinical innovation. In this role, you will conduct comprehensive evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide hands-on interventions to help patients recover functional skills. Typical diagnoses include respiratory failure, prolonged ventilator dependence, complex cardiac and pulmonary conditions, neurologic events such as stroke or brain injury, multi-trauma, deconditioning after prolonged ICU stays, and other medically complex conditions. You will address ADLs and IADLs, positioning, energy conservation, cognitive and perceptual deficits, upper extremity function, and safe functional mobility within the Occupational Therapy scope. A typical day includes performing initial and ongoing assessments, designing and progressing treatment plans, preparing patients for eventual discharge to home or lower levels of care, and educating patients and families on adaptive techniques, durable medical equipment, and safety strategies. You will participate in interdisciplinary rounds and team conferences to discuss progress, set shared goals, and coordinate discharge plans. Documentation is completed using a hospital-based electronic medical record, allowing for efficient communication and continuity of care. Patient care is focused on quality and safety, with treatment sessions designed to match each patient's endurance and medical status. Patient ratios are structured to allow for thorough one-on-one attention, efficient scheduling, and meaningful outcomes. You will typically manage a caseload of medically stable yet high-acuity patients, giving you the opportunity to refine your critical thinking skills and practice advanced clinical reasoning on a daily basis. Shifts are generally scheduled during daytime hours, with some weekend and holiday coverage shared among the therapy team to ensure consistent patient care. The predictable structure of the day allows for balanced time between direct patient care, documentation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and education. The facility supports ongoing learning and may offer access to in-services, case discussions, and opportunities to develop specialized interests within the LTAC population, such as neuro-recovery, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, or complex discharge planning. For Occupational Therapists who want to build a rewarding career in a setting where they can make a lasting impact on patients recovering from life-changing illnesses, this LTAC position in East Chicago, Indiana provides a compelling combination of professional challenge, supportive team culture, and a location that blends lakeside living with proximity to a major city.