Occupational Therapist

RWJBarnabas Health; New Brunswick (NJ); On-site; USD 96,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

RWJBarnabas Health is seeking an Occupational Therapist to support patients in the acute care setting. You will evaluate patients, develop individualized plans, and provide OT services across multiple units including orthopedics, neurology, and critical care.

The role requires a graduate of an accredited OT program, active NJ OT license, and BLS certification. Per diem, day shifts with weekend requirements are expected, with strong teamwork and documentation skills valued.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited OT program
• Active New Jersey OT license required
• Must maintain BLS certification
• Prior acute care hospital experience preferred
• Active professional OT organization membership encouraged

Responsibilities

• Evaluates patients in the acute care setting to identify needs and plan interventions
• Implements individualized treatment plans based on medical condition and goals
• Provides OT services across orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, cardiac, CCU, trauma, general medicine, telemetry
• Works with patients in ED and pediatrics as appropriate
• Educates patients and families about plans, safety, and ongoing care needs
• Documents clinical findings timely and accurately per standards
• Collaborates with physicians, nurses, and rehab team for coordinated care
• Adapts treatment for varying diagnoses and acuity levels

Skills

Acute care experience

Effective communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation skills

Education

New Jersey Occupational Therapist license

BLS certification

Accredited OT program graduate

Job description

Job Title: Occupational Therapist

Location: Main Hospital - New Brunswick

Department Name: Occupational Therapy

Req #: 0000266285

Status: Hourly

Shift: Day

Pay Range: $70.95 - $70.95 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

Occupational Therapist – RWJBarnabas Health

At RWJBarnabas Health, the Occupational Therapist plays a critical role in helping patients regain function, independence, and quality of life during their hospital stay. Working as part of an interdisciplinary care team, they are responsible for evaluating and treating patients in the acute care setting while providing individualized care across a diverse range of clinical conditions and patient populations.

A typical day for an Occupational Therapist may include:

• Evaluates patients in the acute care setting to identify functional needs, limitations, and appropriate occupational therapy interventions
• Develops and implements individualized treatment plans based on patient needs, medical condition, functional status, and goals
• Provides occupational therapy interventions to patients across a variety of nursing units, including orthopedics, neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, cardiac, critical care, trauma, general medicine, and telemetry
• Provides occupational therapy services to patients in the emergency department and pediatrics as appropriate
• Works directly with patients and families to support functional recovery, independence, safety, and successful participation in daily activities
• Monitors patient progress and adjusts treatment approaches based on clinical findings and response to therapy
• Collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, rehabilitation professionals, and other members of the interdisciplinary care team to coordinate patient care
• Provides clear education and communication to patients and families regarding treatment plans, functional goals, safety, and ongoing care needs
• Completes timely, accurate, and comprehensive clinical documentation in accordance with department and professional standards
• Communicates effectively with both intra-disciplinary and interdisciplinary teams to promote continuity and quality of care
• Adapts treatment approaches to meet the needs of patients with varying diagnoses, ages, functional abilities, and levels of acuity

This role might be for you if:

• Clear, compassionate communication defines how you interact with patients, families, and colleagues
• Clinical judgment and attention to detail guide your approach to patient evaluation and treatment
• You remain calm, flexible, and patient-focused while working in a fast-paced acute care environment
• Helping patients achieve greater independence, function, and quality of life motivates you
• You enjoy collaborating with nurses, physicians, rehabilitation professionals, and interdisciplinary care teams
• Strong teamwork, communication, and documentation skills are central to your approach
• You are committed to providing individualized, evidence-based care to a diverse patient population

To be considered for this Occupational Therapist opportunity:

• Graduate of an accredited program in Occupational Therapy at the baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate level required
• Previous acute care/hospital experience required, or strong acute rehabilitation experience
• Must hold an active New Jersey Occupational Therapist license
• Must maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association
• Active membership in a professional occupational therapy organization is encouraged
• Per diem, day shift availability with weekend requirements