Occupational Therapist
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Chattanooga, TN, 37404
Job Type : Part Time
Salary : 32.3-48.05 HOUR
Date Posted : 5 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Monday-Friday variable hours, about 4 hours a day
As an Occupational Therapist, you'll restore independence and quality of life for diverse patients (orthopedic, neurological, sensory, cancer recovery) by assessing needs, developing treatment plans, and conducting evaluations. You'll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, thoroughly document progress, and provide motivating care.
Success requires flexibility, exceptional organization, and a personable, team-oriented approach. You'll communicate effectively with patients and families, recognize medical changes, and adapt treatment programs. Strong body mechanics, efficient scheduling, and minimal supervision are expected.
You'll demonstrate professional behavior by completing certifications, sharing knowledge, accepting feedback, and maintaining punctuality and a cooperative attitude. Commitment to personal development involves identifying growth areas, offering peer assistance, and pursuing continuing education while maintaining licensure.
A customer-focused attitude requires active listening, positive interactions with all stakeholders, and proactive problem-solving. Effective communication, both verbal and written, and adherence to all hospital policies, safety standards, and equipment maintenance are crucial for providing a safe and high-quality patient environment.
Job Requirements
Required
- Graduate of accredited Occupational Therapist program per American Occupational Therapy Association. , upon hire and
- Occupational Therapist: GA required & TN license preferred
- Basic Life Support - CPR, upon hire
Preferred
- Experience in acute care or outpatient services preferred.
CHI Memorial, a member of CommonSpirit, is an award-winning, not-for-profit, faith-based health care organization dedicated to the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Founded by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, we offer a comprehensive continuum of care, from preventative and primary care to acute hospital services specializing in cancer, cardiac, neuroscience, stroke, and orthopedic services. Our commitment to excellence has earned us top prestigious recognition repeatedly from U.S. News and World Report, PINC AI™, CMS, Healthgrades®, Leapfrog, and most recently as one of the Best Places to Work in Tennessee. We are proud to serve Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia with the expertise of 4,700 team members and nearly 500 affiliated physicians.
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Frequently asked questions
Chattanooga shows a steady need for occupational therapists due to its growing healthcare facilities like Catholic Health Initiatives. Compared to nearby cities, the demand is moderate but rising, driven by aging populations and rehabilitation services expanding in southeast Tennessee.
Besides the standard state licensure, hospitals in Tennessee, especially faith-based ones, prefer occupational therapists with current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certifications. Additional credentials in neurological or orthopedic therapy can improve employability in local acute care settings.
Navigating a schedule that changes daily requires strong adaptability and time management. Occupational therapists must balance patient needs with efficient documentation and coordination with interdisciplinary teams, all while maintaining a flexible approach to unexpected clinical developments.
Growing expertise in acute care or outpatient therapy services can open doors to supervisory roles or specialized consultant positions. Engaging in continuing education and certifications tailored to neurological or orthopedic rehabilitation can also enhance career advancement locally.
Catholic Health Initiatives blends faith-based values with top-tier clinical care, creating a supportive environment for occupational therapists. Their commitment to ongoing education and teamwork fosters professional growth while serving diverse patient populations in a community-focused setting.
The organization's faith-rooted mission emphasizes compassionate care and ethical practices, setting it apart. Occupational therapists benefit from a collaborative atmosphere and access to award-winning specialty services, which may not be as prominent in other local hospital systems.
Occupational therapists in Chattanooga generally earn between $65,000 and $85,000 annually, influenced by experience and certifications. Positions at prominent health systems like Catholic Health Initiatives may offer competitive compensation combined with benefits reflecting the nonprofit sector.
Success hinges on strong interpersonal communication, adaptability to patient progress, and meticulous documentation. Mastery of treatment planning across neurological and orthopedic cases, coupled with teamwork and problem-solving abilities, marks an exemplary occupational therapist.
Therapists employ electronic health records for precise tracking and follow strict hospital safety standards. Equipment maintenance and adherence to infection control procedures are paramount, ensuring a secure environment while enhancing therapy effectiveness in local clinical settings.
Candidates must graduate from an accredited occupational therapy program and secure a Georgia license, with Tennessee licensure preferred. Obtaining CPR certification and gaining experience in acute or outpatient care can significantly strengthen applications for these positions.