OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST

Northstarbehavioral; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Northstarbehavioral in Anchorage, Alaska, is seeking an Occupational Therapist to support youth in achieving functional independence. Responsibilities include evaluating daily living needs and developing targeted interventions within a collaborative team environment.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor's degree, have 1-3 years of experience, and possess a current State of Alaska OT registration. The role emphasizes effective communication and teamwork in a behavioral health setting.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience required.
• Current State of Alaska OT registration is mandatory.
• Skilled in maintaining records and preparing reports.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate needs related to daily living and cognitive challenges.
• Develop targeted interventions for patients.
• Facilitate individual and group sessions on independent living skills.

Skills

Knowledge of occupational therapy principles

Understanding psychiatric diagnoses

Effective communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

Basic computer operations

Job description

Responsibilities

Occupational Therapist

New grads are welcome to apply!

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.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree preferred
• 1‑3 years experience required
• Current State of Alaska OT registration

Essential Job Duties / Responsibilities

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
• Physically able to participate in and lead therapeutic 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

Equal Employment Opportunity

The company is committed to the principle of Equal Employment Opportunity for all employees and applicants. It is our policy to ensure that both current and prospective employees are afforded equal employment opportunity without consideration of race, religious creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

Americans with Disabilities Act

Applicants as well as employees who are or become disabled must be able to perform the essential job functions either unaided or with reasonable accommodation. The organization shall determine reasonable accommodation on a case‑by‑case basis in accordance with applicable law.

Service Excellence

Service excellence is a part of all we do. Our standards include:

• Treat everyone as a guest by making a good first impression, anticipating needs and displaying service recovery skills.
• Demonstrate professionalism and excellence by looking professional, being accountable for actions and delivering excellence in our everyday work.
• Practice teamwork by participating in decision making and process improvement, communicating effectively and focusing on the problem/issue, not the person.