Occup Therapist Senior

State of Minnesota; Saint Peter (MN); On-site; USD 73,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Minnesota's Direct Care & Treatment unit seeks an Occupational Therapist Senior for our Forensic Services division in St. Peter.

You will assess functional abilities, develop and implement therapy plans, and document progress, focusing on ADLs and cognitive and psychosocial rehabilitation. The role requires Minnesota OT licensure (or eligibility) and at least 18 months post‑licensure experience for a Bachelor’s degree, or 6 months for a Master’s degree, with Doctorate optional.

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice occupational therapy in Minnesota or eligible for licensure in Minnesota
• Minimum qualifications include OT degree and post‑licensure experience as specified (18 months for Bachelor’s, 6 months for Master’s, none required for Doctorate)
• Candidates with experience in forensic/mental health settings preferred
• Applicants must be able to obtain licensure in Minnesota prior to appointment

Responsibilities

• Assess physical, psychological, cognitive, and social functions; involve the individual in structured activities to overcome disability
• Implement treatment plans and document patient progress toward goals
• Address ADLs, instrumental ADLs, sensory‑motor, psychosocial, cognitive, and physical disability needs

Skills

ADL interventions

Cognitive assessment

Psychosocial skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy

Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Working Title: Occup Therapist Senior

Job Class: Occupational Therapist Senior

• Job ID: 96929
• Location: St. Peter
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open for all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/10/2026
• Closing Date: 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / MAPE Forensics
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

• Job ID: 96929
• Location: St. Peter
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open for all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/10/2026
• Closing Date: 09/21/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / MAPE Forensics
• Division/Unit: Forensics / Forensics Rehab Services
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,306 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is seeking qualified and enthusiastic individuals to join our Forensic Services division of the agency.

Forensic Services provides mental health evaluation and treatment services to individuals diagnosed with a mental illness who present a risk to public safety. This is a safe and secure treatment environment. The team has an opportunity for you to join us as an Occupational Therapist. We seek applicants with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, who are ready to share our dedication to the people we serve.

Job duties include:

• Assess the physical, psychological, cognitive, and social functions of the individual, identify areas of dysfunction and involve the individual in the structured program of activity to overcome disability.
• Intervention areas include but are not limited to activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental ADLs, sensory‑motor skills, psychosocial skills, cognitive skills, and physical disabilities.
• Develop and implement treatment plans, as well as documenting patient progress toward treatment goals.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must be licensed to practice occupational therapy in the state of Minnesota; OR be currently licensed to practice occupational therapy in another state and must obtain licensure in Minnesota prior to appointment.

In addition, you must satisfy the following combinations of education and experience:

Occupational Therapist Senior

• Have a Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program; AND
• At least 18 months of professional, post‑licensure occupational therapy experience

Occupational Therapist Senior

• Have Master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program; AND
• At least 6 months of professional, post‑licensure occupational therapy experience

Occupational Therapist Senior

• Have a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working with individuals with mental illness or behavioral health conditions
• Training and knowledge of trauma informed care principles

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job‑related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

About Direct Care And Treatment

Direct Care and Treatment is a highly specialized behavioral health system operated by the State of Minnesota. DCT operates treatment programs, residential and vocational services for people with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and more.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.