Occupational Therapist - Acute Care Therapy - WEO

CoxHealth; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical vision dental

Retirement with employer match

Benefits package

Job summary

CoxHealth in Springfield, MO is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join the Acute Care team at Cox South. You will evaluate patients across ICU and medical-surgical units, guiding recovery after trauma, surgery, or acute illness while promoting independence in daily activities.

The role emphasizes teamwork, mentorship for new graduates, and discharge planning with adaptive equipment. Active Missouri OT licensure is required.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Program.
• Masters or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (preferred).
• Active Missouri licensure for Occupational Therapy required (Limited permits not accepted).

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and treat patients in the acute medical setting across units such as ICU, trauma, and medical-surgical.
• Assist patients in reaching the highest level of independence in activities of daily living.
• Plan and implement prevention, habilitation, and rehabilitation services including mobility, pain relief, and strengthening.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and participate in discharge planning and adaptive equipment recommendations.

Skills

Good clinical expertise

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Self-motivated

Education

Graduate of accredited Occupational Therapy Program

Masters or Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (preferred)

Job description

Facility:CoxHealth South: 3801 S National Ave, Springfield, Missouri, United States of America, 65807Department:1089 Acute Therapy SouthScheduled Weekly Hours:32Hours:8:00 AM - 4:30 PMWork Shift:Day Shift (United States of America)CoxHealth is a leading healthcare system serving 25 counties across southwest Missouri and northern Arkansas. The organization includes six hospitals, 5 ERs, and over 80 clinics. CoxHealth has earned the following honors for workplace excellence:Named one of Modern Healthcare’s Best Places to work five times.Named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces, Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare (2025, 2026), Greatest Workplaces for Women (2023, 2024), and Greatest Workplaces for Diversity (2024) by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group.Acknowledged by Forbes as one of the Best Employers for New Grads.Healthcare Innovation's Top Companies to Work for in Healthcare (2025).BenefitsMedical, Vision, Dental, Retirement with Employer Match and more (20+ hrs/week)For a comprehensive list of benefits, please click here: Benefits | CoxHealthJob Description:Job Description SummaryOverview of Unit/DepartmentAcute Care at Cox South Hospital’s main campus is a fast-paced, team-oriented environment where therapists make a meaningful impact every day. Working across units like the ICU and medical-surgical floors, you’ll gain diverse clinical experience while continuing to grow your skills. We offer a strong mentorship program to support new graduates and those new to acute care, along with a collaborative culture where teamwork is key. It’s a great place to learn, feel supported, and build a rewarding career.Job SummaryAn Occupational Therapist (OT) evaluates and treats patients in the acute medical setting. The OT treats patients of all ages as ordered immediately post trauma, surgery, acute medical event or exacerbation. Acute Care OT assist patients in reaching their highest level of independence in activities of daily living. OT staff make recommendations for the next level of care as well as adaptive equipment needed. OT staff plan and implement prevention, habilitation, and rehabilitation services including counseling and orientation for mobility, pain relief, increasing strength, and/or improving or correcting disabling conditions. Occupational therapists participate in a rotation approximately every 3 months in the following medical units: medical ICU’s, trauma, cardiology, medical/surgical, oncology, neurology, and orthopedic. Specialty areas for Occupational Therapists include: splinting, visual perception, wound care, lymphedema, pediatrics, perinatal and neonatal care. An Occupational Therapist assists patients with minimizing disability and developing skills and attitudes to increase independent functioning. Patients are referred for medical and educational services as indicated. Responsible to plan and implement prevention, habilitation, or rehabilitation services including counseling and orientation that improve mobility, relieve pain, increase strength, and improve or correct disabling conditions resulting from disease or injury. Education: Required: Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Program Preferred: Masters or Doctorate from an accredited program of Occupational Therapy Experience: No prior experience required Skills: Good clinical expertise, communication skills, human relations skills and organizational skills required. Self-motivated individual who can work independently with little direct supervision required Has demonstrated interest in professional growth by attendance at continuing education workshops, and applications of new principles and/or techniques. Licensure/Certification/Registration: Required: Active Missouri licensure for Occupational Therapy. (Limited permits not accepted)