Occupational Therapist | Acute | Temporary

Avera Health, a regional health system based in Sioux Falls, SD, is seeking a Temporary Occupational Therapist to join our Acute Care team within our Healthcare & Medical Services department. In this role, you will provide evidence-based occupational therapy services to patients across the acute care continuum, helping individuals restore function, maximize independence, and safely transition to the next level of care following illness, injury, or surgery.

Working in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, case managers, and other healthcare professionals, you will perform comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations, develop individualized treatment plans, and deliver goal-directed interventions at the bedside and in unit-based therapy spaces. Typical patient populations may include those with orthopedic conditions, neurologic disorders (such as stroke or brain injury), cardiopulmonary conditions, complex medical or surgical cases, and other acute or critical care needs.

Key aspects of this temporary acute care role include assessing patients’ functional abilities in activities of daily living, upper extremity strength and coordination, cognition, vision and perception, and functional mobility; recommending and training in the use of adaptive equipment; and providing patient and family education focused on safety, independence, and successful discharge planning. You will be responsible for timely and accurate documentation in the electronic medical record, communicating patient status and progress to the care team, and contributing to interdisciplinary care conferences and discharge recommendations.

Avera Health emphasizes compassion, hospitality, and stewardship, and this position offers the opportunity to practice occupational therapy within a collaborative environment that respects the dignity of every patient. As a member of our team, you will be expected to demonstrate strong clinical reasoning, professional communication skills, and flexibility in managing a dynamic acute care caseload, including occasional coverage of weekends or holidays as needed to support patient flow and quality outcomes.

This temporary assignment is ideal for an Occupational Therapist who is passionate about acute care practice and is eager to contribute meaningfully to patient outcomes while gaining experience within a large, supportive healthcare network. Avera Health encourages professional growth and offers access to experienced colleagues, standardized clinical protocols, and evidence-based resources to support high-quality, patient-centered care.

The Occupational Therapist will adhere to all regulatory and hospital policies, uphold infection prevention and safety standards, and maintain licensure and certifications required for practice. Candidates should bring strong organizational skills, the ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced hospital environment, and a commitment to compassionate service aligned with Avera Health’s mission and values.