Occupational Therapist I

The Metro Boston Mental Health Units of the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital are seeking qualified candidates to fill the full-time position of Occupational Therapist.

The ideal candidate will be a talented, compassionate, and experienced Occupational Therapist licensed to practice in Massachusetts.

Shift Hours : Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive) :

• Fulfills responsibilities as Occupational Therapist on assigned inpatient psychiatric unit, acting as rehab team member to individual patients and collaborating with other team members regarding rehab treatment.
• Administers occupational therapy assessment for all new admissions on assigned unit and determines appropriate rehabilitation treatment plan; identify functional skills, strengths, and limitations to assist with treatment and discharge planning.
• Administers specialized occupational therapy assessment, such as KELS, OTAPS, Sensory Profile, or Allen Cognitive Level to identify necessary supports for success during hospitalization and for discharge planning.
• Provides active occupational therapy treatment on assigned unit, including during weekend and evening shifts.
• Designs and facilitates, in collaboration with the rehab department, a group program that includes skill building, psychoeducational, leisure and vocational activities, taking into account the relevancy to patients as related to age and skill level.
• Coordinates with the unit-based leadership team and unit staff to ensure that groups are organized, attended, and consistently held.
• Assists with all aspects of rehabilitation including providing learning opportunities to individuals and leading groups which assist patients with improving functional abilities, developing independent living skills, and exploring vocational interests.
• Attends and participates in rounds, team meetings and other relevant meetings regarding patient progress.
• Attend and participate in rehab department meetings.
• Plans, organizes, and provides therapeutic community transition experiences for patients.
• Facilitates referrals to community-based rehab programs.
• Provide education and training regarding O.T. and O.T. assessment to MBMHU staff and patients.
• Completes assigned documentation according to defined expectations.
• Evaluates need for and requests materials and supplies.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications :

• Proficiency of the theory, principles, and practices of occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the treatment methods, techniques, and procedures used in occupational therapy.
• Expertise of the techniques and methods of diagnostic and prognostic testing relative to occupational therapy.
• Expertise of the human anatomy and physiology as applied to occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment and materials used in providing occupational therapy.
• Familiarity of the methods of general report writing.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of occupational therapy data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience working with adults living with severe and persistent mental illness on inpatient psychiatric service.
• Familiarity and comfort working with multidisciplinary teams to analyze complex problems, build consensus and implement organizational improvements.
• Excellent organizational and writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrated effective communication skills.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Hospital Mission :

At the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, we take pride in helping people recover from illnesses and conditions that are often underserved or difficult to manage in other health care settings. The DMH units within the Hospital provide inpatient psychiatric services to adults with serious mental illness with the goal of enhancing autonomy, safety and return to the community. Patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team, led by attending psychiatrists which also includes psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health workers, peer specialists, occupational therapists and rehabilitative staff specializing in vocational, recreational and expressive therapies. A variety of treatment modalities are used, including psychopharmacologic, psychotherapeutic (individual, group and family), psycho-educational, behavioral, cognitive and milieu therapies.

Pre-Offer Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit

E ducation, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.

Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Human Resources at View phone number on click.appcast.io Ext. #4.

Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: None


Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Occupational Therapist license issued by the Board of Allied Health Professions in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Acts of 1982.


Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.


An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.


The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.