Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

North Star Behavioral Health Hospital is the premier behavioral health provider serving Alaska. The Residential Treatment Centers in Anchorage and Palmer provide psychiatric residential treatment for preteen and teen boys (Palmer) and girls (Anchorage) ages 11 to 18. During their stay at North Star's Residential Treatment Centers, youth learn healthy social, recreational & life skills, which are needed to be successful in the community and at home.

Position Summary: The Occupational Therapist (OT) supports patients in achieving their highest level of functional independence. Responsibilities include evaluating needs related to activities of daily living, ADA accommodations, cognitive and sensory challenges, and other barriers to optimal functioning. The OT develops targeted interventions, contributes to treatment planning, and facilitates individual and group sessions focused on independent living skills in collaboration with the Activities Therapy team. Maintains positive, respectful, and cooperative working relationships with all colleagues. Demonstrates courtesy, professionalism, and a supportive attitude in all interactions with patients, families, visitors, and staff. Consistently represents NSBH in a professional manner and serves as a positive role model who contributes to a welcoming, respectful, and team-oriented environment.

Clinical & Therapeutic Expertise: Strong knowledge of occupational therapy principles and interventions. Understanding of psychiatric diagnoses and assaultive behavior management techniques. Ability to develop age-appropriate programming for adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Experience in group facilitation and recreational therapy activities.

Communication & Collaboration: Effective oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate professionally with clients, referral sources, healthcare team members, and community providers. Strong interpersonal skills; customer-service oriented. Ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Professionalism & Judgment: Demonstrates tact, resourcefulness, patience, and dedication. Uses sound judgment and maintains confidentiality in accordance with professional ethics and facility standards. Adheres to organizational policies and procedures. Reacts calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Participates in performance improvement initiatives and ongoing professional development.

Administrative & Technical Skills: Proficient in planning, organizing, and time management. Skilled in maintaining records, preparing reports, and handling correspondence. Competence in basic computer operations and office equipment. Familiar with telephone etiquette and paging procedures. Ability to meet deadlines and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred. 1-3 years experience required. Current State of Alaska OT registration.

About Universal Health Services: One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.