Occupational Therapist -Adult Acute - Relief
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Department Overview
The purpose of this position is to function as a member of the Rehabilitation services patient care team by providing occupational therapy services such as ADL training, energy conservation, splint fabrication for upper extremities, exercise, sensory integrations and perceptual/cognitive training to assist patients in improving their function at home and in the community. Treatment also includes patient/family education, and various therapeutic procedures to assist patients in improving function, strength, endurance and functional mobility. Therapists evaluate each appropriately referred patient, establish treatment goals and objectives, develop and implement the treatment plan, and assist in the process of discharge planning and post-hospital placement. Therapists are expected to supervise therapy interns, assist with other educational research activities conducted by the department or the hospital and meet hospital standards regarding documentation and productivity. This position may include weekend shift rotation.
Relief employees must be available to work at least four (4) days per pay period as determined according to the department needs
Function/Duties of Position
Evaluation and Caseload Management
- Prioritizes patient care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
- Evaluates patients to determine appropriateness of referral
- Identifies rehab potential, establishes treatment goals specific to the scope of acute care rehabilitation, including functional outcomes, quantitative measures and target dates
- Develops treatment plans to achieve identified goals
- Documents evaluations in patient’s medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR’s and third-party payer criteria
- Enters accurate codes for services performed and bills time in patient care accurately
- Provides consultation in a time-efficient manner for patients, specific to care area; requesting orders and/or providing guidance to the patient’s team regarding activity or prevention of complications
Provides skilled rehabilitation treatment
- Prioritizes care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
- Performs and documents skilled patient care activities, including direct treatment and caregiver/patient/family education
- Monitors and adjusts treatment plans specific to patient progress
- Fabricates and adjusts splints to meet patient needs
- Communicates patient needs and promotes carryover of strategies, precautions, etc. with nursing and other caregivers
- Updates recommendations to team regarding continuing rehabilitation needs and plan as patient’s condition and situations warrant
- Directs, supports and provides supervision as required for COTAs, aides and volunteers
- Develops and enhances patient care program and patient outcomes in specialty area
- Documents treatment and other patient contacts in patient’s medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OAR’s and third-party payer criteria.
Clinical Education
- Provides evidence-based clinical instruction experiences and supervision for OT students
- Ensure student completion of weekly goals; identifies and facilitates achievement of affiliation objectives
- Provides regular feedback and completes evaluations on schedule
- Participates in the supervision and training for students from other disciplines
Care Coordination
- Collaborates with patient, family, and medical team in multidisciplinary patient rounds, ensuring a common level of understanding of the patient’s rehabilitation needs, and providing recommendations for rehab after discharge
- Requests patient/family conferences as appropriate, and participates in conferences representing department, heightens awareness of and advocates for rehab needs of patient
- Enhances patient safety both during and after hospitalization by assisting the team in problem-solving, including but not limited to vision, ADL, and cognition impairments
- Provides feedback and educates physicians, fellows, residents, and other health care providers about rehabilitation (including but not limited to medical necessity for skilled rehabilitation services and appropriate referrals and expectations for rehab outcome and intensity at various levels of care)
Other Duties as Assigned
Required Qualifications
Completion of an occupational therapy educational program that is recognized by the Oregon Occupational Therapy Licensing Board
- Limited Permit or Oregon occupational therapy license must be obtained at the time of appointment.
Current American Heart BLS CPR certification
- Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation
Preferred Qualifications
- OTD
- Acute hospital, SNF, inpatient rehab experience or student affiliation
Additional Details
Inpatient hospital environment.
Ability to lift 40 lbs, repeatedly carry equipment weighing more than 5 lbs and walk extensively on hard and
soft surfaces. Frequent bending and reaching to navigate medical equipment or perform treatment is required.
Must have knowledge of inpatient medical environments and equipment such as oxygen, ventilation,
respiratory apparatuses. Requires ability to respond quickly and appropriately to urgent medical situations
that may arise.
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Occupational Therapists in adult acute settings customize interventions focusing on daily living skills, energy conservation, and cognitive training to meet each patient's unique rehab goals. This approach enhances functional independence and aligns with hospital discharge planning for better community reintegration.
Relief Occupational Therapists often navigate unpredictable caseloads and varying patient acuity levels, requiring adaptability and quick clinical decision-making. Portland's healthcare environment demands proficiency in acute care protocols and flexibility to cover weekend shifts and diverse rehabilitation needs.
Holding a valid Oregon OT license and American Heart Association BLS CPR certification is essential. Additional credentials like an OTD or specialized acute care training can provide a competitive edge, reflecting expertise in hospital-based patient rehabilitation.
Yes, therapists often supervise OT students and interns, facilitating evidence-based learning and ensuring academic objectives are met. This role enriches clinical experience while contributing to the development of future practitioners within a leading academic medical center.
Occupational Therapists in Portland's acute care sector typically earn between $80,000 and $95,000 annually. Salary varies based on experience, certifications, and specific facility demands, reflecting the specialized skills needed for inpatient rehabilitation services.
OHSU's Occupational Therapists actively collaborate with medical staff during rounds and discharge planning, providing expert recommendations for rehabilitation needs. This team-based approach ensures cohesive patient care and supports safe transitions from hospital to home.
OHSU offers a robust academic environment with opportunities for clinical research, education of students, and specialized acute care practice. Therapists engage in advanced treatment techniques and benefit from a diverse patient population in a renowned teaching hospital.
Portland's healthcare demand creates steady opportunities for relief OTs, though competition exists due to the city's growing medical facilities. Candidates with acute care experience and Oregon licensure are favored, especially those flexible with shift schedules.
Daily tasks include patient evaluations, developing tailored treatment plans, splint fabrication, and educating patients and families. Therapists coordinate with nursing and medical teams, adapting interventions based on patient progress within a fast-paced inpatient environment.
Therapists often navigate varied terrains such as hard and soft surfaces while managing medical equipment like oxygen and ventilation devices. Physical stamina and quick responsiveness to urgent medical changes are vital in this dynamic clinical setting.