Occupational Therapist | Acute | Temporary

Avera Health is seeking a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapist to join our Acute Care team on a temporary basis. In this role, you will provide evidence‑based occupational therapy services to adult and geriatric patients with a wide range of medical conditions in an inpatient hospital setting. Working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team—including physicians, nurses, physical and speech therapists, case managers, and social workers—you will focus on restoring function, promoting independence, and supporting safe, timely discharge.

As an Acute Occupational Therapist, you will perform comprehensive evaluations of patients’ functional abilities in areas such as self‑care, mobility, cognition, and perception. You will develop and implement individualized treatment plans, set measurable goals, and provide therapeutic interventions that may include ADL retraining, neuromuscular re‑education, therapeutic exercise, activity modification, energy conservation strategies, and patient and family education. You will also assess equipment and assistive device needs, make recommendations for durable medical equipment, and contribute to discharge planning by providing input on post‑acute rehabilitation needs and home safety.

You will be responsible for timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record, in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory and payer requirements. You will actively participate in daily team huddles and care conferences, communicating patient progress, treatment recommendations, and anticipated discharge plans. The role may include weekend or holiday rotations to support continuous patient care needs.

At Avera Health, you will be part of a regional health system based in Sioux Falls, SD, serving communities across the Upper Midwest. Our culture emphasizes compassion, hospitality, and stewardship, and we foster a collaborative environment dedicated to improving healthcare with respect and dignity. As a temporary member of the Acute Care Occupational Therapy team, you will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes while experiencing a supportive network of clinicians and leaders. You will be encouraged to grow professionally through mentorship, exposure to diverse clinical cases, and collaboration with experienced therapists and providers.

Ideal candidates are patient‑centered, adaptable to a fast‑paced hospital environment, comfortable managing medically complex caseloads, and committed to high‑quality, ethical practice. A current state license as an Occupational Therapist, graduation from an accredited OT program, and current BLS certification are required; acute care experience and NBCOT certification are strongly preferred. If you are looking for a temporary opportunity to provide impactful care in an acute setting while working with a mission‑driven healthcare organization, we invite you to consider joining Avera Health.