Occupational Therapist
Company : Prime Healthcare Services
Location : Aurora, IL, 60506
Job Type : Contractor
Date Posted : 7 January 2026
Overview
Department: Inpatient Physical Therapy/ Occupational Therapist
Schedule: Weekend Warrior (Saturday & Sunday's)! Days, Per Diem, at least 4 shifts per month
Facility: Prime Healthcare Mercy Medical Center
Location: Aurora, IL
Responsibilities
Provides medically prescribed consultative and therapeutic services within scope of practice in order to restore function and prevent disability for clients or patients with musculoskeletal, neuromuscular and cardiopulmonary disorders. Performs responsibilities in accordance with department and Hospital Policies, state, federal and regulatory requirements: Title 22 Section 70517, 70519. Functions according to professional practice as an integral member of the interdisciplinary care team.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
1. Bachelor or Master Degree in Occupational Therapy.
2. Current state Occupational Therapy certification/license.
3. Current BCLS (AHA) certificate.
4. National Board for Certification Occupational Therapy certification, AOTA and OTAC preferred.
The company is dedicated to empowering its staff with a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, allowing them the freedom to customize their benefits to fit their unique needs. Our abundant resources, programs, and voluntary options serve as a foundation for individual growth and well-being. Learn more here: https://www.primehealthcare.com/benefitsthatmattermost/
Pay Transparency
Mercy Medical Center offers competitive compensation and a reasonable compensation estimate for this role is $44.61 The exact starting compensation to be offered will be determined at the time of selecting an applicant for hire, in which a wide range of factors will be considered, including but not limited to, skillset, years of applicable experience, education, credentials and licensure.
Employment Status
Per DiemShift
DaysEqual Employment Opportunity
Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf
#LI-MP2
Related Jobs
Top trending job titles hiring now
Popular Searches for Occupational Therapist
Frequently asked questions
In Aurora, IL, occupational therapists often benefit from holding state licensure and national certifications like NBCOT. Local hospitals, including Prime Healthcare Services, may prioritize candidates with current BCLS and memberships in professional bodies such as AOTA, enhancing employment chances in this competitive Illinois market.
Aurora's healthcare sector shows a steady need for occupational therapists, partly fueled by its growing population and nearby medical centers. Compared to Chicago, Aurora's market is moderately competitive, offering opportunities with better work-life balance, especially in per diem roles at facilities like Prime Healthcare Mercy Medical Center.
Becoming an Occupational Therapist typically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy, plus a valid state license. Certification from the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) is widely recognized and often mandatory, alongside current BCLS certification to meet healthcare standards.
Starting as an inpatient occupational therapist, professionals can progress to supervisory or clinical specialist roles. Gaining expertise in musculoskeletal and neuromuscular care opens doors to leadership positions, research opportunities, or transitioning into healthcare administration within hospitals like those under Prime Healthcare Services.
Prime Healthcare Services emphasizes a comprehensive benefits package tailored to individual needs, which can enhance occupational therapists' job satisfaction. Additionally, therapists here engage closely with interdisciplinary teams in dynamic inpatient settings, gaining exposure to diverse cases uncommon in smaller clinics.
Joining Prime Healthcare Mercy Medical Center means working weekend per diem shifts with a focus on restoring function in patients with complex disorders. The environment supports professional growth with adherence to strict regulatory standards, fostering a collaborative team culture rooted in patient-centered care.
Occupational Therapists at Prime Healthcare Mercy Medical Center in Aurora can expect competitive compensation around $44.61 per hour. Pay varies based on credentials, experience, and licensure, reflecting local market rates and the specialized skills required for weekend warrior per diem roles.
Occupational Therapists possess advanced degrees and licensure, enabling them to design and oversee therapeutic plans. Assistants typically hold associate degrees and support therapists by implementing treatments. The therapist's role encompasses assessment, diagnosis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, which assistants do not perform independently.
Hospital occupational therapists focus on acute care rehabilitation for patients with physical and neurological impairments, often requiring adherence to medical protocols. Conversely, school-based therapists emphasize developmental and educational support for children, with more predictable schedules and less medical complexity.
Some believe occupational therapy is limited to helping only elderly patients or involves minimal physical activity. In reality, the role demands diverse clinical expertise addressing all ages and complex rehabilitation needs. Aurora's facilities like Prime Healthcare actively seek therapists ready for dynamic, hands-on patient care.