Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist I

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:

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
• One (1) year of relevant experience preferred (new graduates encouraged to apply)
• 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
• Caring for Our Team We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees' well-being and professional growth. Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance available starting the first day of the month following 30 days of employment, along with life insurance, short and long-term disability coverage. Paid Time Off begins accruing from day one, and we also provide a 401k plan, an education assistance program, and an employee assistance program. Additionally, employees working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for a shift differential, adding even more value to your role.
• 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.