Occupational Therapist/COTA/OTA

Universal Health Services; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Paid time off

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company match

SoFi student loan refinancing

Tuition savings

Pet insurance

Job summary

North Star Behavioral Health Hospital in Anchorage, Alaska, seeks an Occupational Therapist/COTA/OTA to help youths gain independence through specialized activities of daily living, cognitive and sensory supports. The OT/COTA/OTA will develop targeted interventions and lead individual and group sessions in collaboration with the Activities Therapy team.

The role emphasizes teamwork, professional conduct, and the ability to adapt programming for adolescents and adults within a behavioral health

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's preferred.
• 1-3 years experience required.
• Current Alaska COTA/OTA or OT registration/license required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate needs related to ADLs and ADA accommodations.
• Develop targeted interventions for independence.
• Lead individual and group sessions; collaborate with Activities Therapy team.
• Contribute to treatment planning and progress notes.
• Maintain professional relationships with patients and staff.

Skills

OT principles

Psychiatric diagnoses

Adolescents programming

Group facilitation

Physical activity leadership

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Alaska COTA/OTA or OT license

Tools

Basic computer skills

Office equipment

Job description

Responsibilities

$10,000 SIGNING BONUS!

$10,000 RELOCATION ASSISTANCE!

North Star Behavioral Health Hospital is seeking a talented and dynamic Occupational Therapist/COTA/OTA to join our team of dedicated healthcare professionals!

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) or Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) 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.

This is a full-time, onsite position at our facility location in Anchorage, AK.

FACILITY LOCATION

2530 DEBARR ROAD

ANCHORAGE,Alaska99508

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist (OT/COTA/OTA) 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/COTA/OTA 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.

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 toparticipatein 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

Benefit Highlights

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Tuition savings to continue your nursing education with Chamberlain University
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
• Pet Insurance
• More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: uhsguest.com

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 1-3 years experience required
• Current State of Alaska COTA/OTA or OT registration required.

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues during 2025 were $17.4 billion. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ranking of America’s Largest Public Companies.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information visit www.uhs.com.

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.