OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST I

Cook County Government; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 101,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

Cook County Health is seeking an Occupational Therapist I to provide evaluation and treatment for patients referred for care, plan and implement specialized therapies, and supervise staff and students in outpatient and inpatient divisions.

The role includes mentorship and collaboration within a multidisciplinary rehab team at Provident Hospital, with opportunities across burns, neurology, orthopedics, trauma, and geriatrics.

Qualifications

• Current Illinois Occupational Therapist License is required.
• Must be certified as an Occupational Therapist by NBCOT.
• Current CPR certification is required.

Responsibilities

• Provide evaluation and screening for referred patients.
• Plan and implement specialized treatments and supervise staff and students.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation per department policies.
• Communicate effectively with patients, caregivers and colleagues.
• Participate in inpatient and outpatient care across multiple specialty areas.

Skills

Therapy knowledge

Patient care

Communication

Team collaboration

HIPAA compliance

Education

Illinois OT License

NBCOT Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

If you have an issue completing your application, please call Taleo Support at 312-864-0430.

Job Description - OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST I (00139652)

Job Description

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST I

Job Number:

00139652

Job Posting

Oct 7, 2026, 7:39:14 PM

Closing Date

Oct 22, 2026, 4:59:00 AM

Shift

Full-time Shift Start Time : 8:00 A.M. Shift End Time : 4:00 P.M.

Collective Bargaining Unit : SEIU 73 HLT HC PROFESSIONALS Posting Salary : $48.769 - $57.396 HOURLY

Organization

Health and Hospital Systems

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST I

DEPARTMENT: Rehabilitation Services

SHIFT: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of Rehabilitation Services, the Occupational Therapist I (OTI) will provide the following services: evaluation and screening of patients who have been referred for evaluation and treatment; plans, organizes specialized treatments, treatment of complex patients with multiple diagnoses in the outpatient and inpatient divisions and supervision and training of staff and students as delegated. The OTI will have excellent written, verbal, and nonverbal communication skills with patients; patient's care givers, other healthcare professionals, students, and other professional affiliates.

ABOUT THE POSITION

This is a great opportunity for candidates seeking to advance their career and can see a wide range of patient populations. This position would include inpatient care and outpatient care for specialty areas including but not limited to burns, amputees, neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedic, trauma, and geriatrics patients at Provident Hospital. Training provided at our Central Campus located in the heart of the Chicago Medical District so will have mentorship and be a part of the larger rehab team. The position will also offer the ability to be a field work educator. We are looking for a vibrant individual who is a confident clinician, a flexible, quick-learner, is solution-focused, who enjoys working as a team. A highly competitive benefits package is included with the job which includes continuing education funding and departmental trainings, in-services, and journal clubs. Apply to join a great team of Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists who make up the rehab team at CCH.

ABOUT COOK COUNTY HEALTH

One of the largest public health systems in the nation, Cook County Health (CCH) serves as the safety-net for health care in Chicago and suburban Cook County. CCH is comprised of two hospitals, a robust network of more than a dozen community health centers, the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, the Cook County Department of Public Health, Correctional Health Services, andCountyCare, a Medicaid managed care health plan. Through the health system and the health plan, CCHcares for more500,000individualseach year, and its physicians and clinicians are experts in their fields, committed to providing their patients with comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge care. CCH is currently a Joint Commission Certified Primary Stroke Center. Today, CCH is transforming the provision of health care in Cook County by promoting community-based primary and preventive care, growing an innovative, collaborative health plan, enhancing the patient experience and the Rehabilitation Services department plays a vital part in this initiative.

Insert Job Code 2041/ OTI Job Description here.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• 100% patient care. Interpretation of referrals and provision of Occupational/Physical Therapy services according to state licensure.
• Performs screenings, specialized assessments and treatments on complex patients with multiple medical diagnoses in the outpatient and inpatient divisions.
• Gathers, interprets and summarizes medical, evaluation and treatment information from a variety of sources into appropriate patient documentation according to department documentation policies.
• Makes developmental and/or age appropriate modifications in observation, evaluation and treatment methods/activities in order to evaluate/treat patients who may have difficult circumstances and multiple diagnoses.
• Orients, provides oversight, supervises and trains Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) and Occupational Therapist (OT) students.
• Utilizes appropriate handling, transferring positioning, body mechanics and treatment techniques while treating a wide variety of patients.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) when interacting with patients, caregivers and other health care professionals.
• Takes responsibility for workflow and assignments in various clinical areas providing coverage when other staff members are absent.
• May be given some extra responsibilities for the following areas: safety, quality improvement, BSIS, infection control, orderliness, protocols, clinical equipment standards, and competencies.
• Accurately records and maintains records, statistics, and schedules
• Demonstrates effective use of functional activities during OT evaluation and treatment.
• Must be flexible and take initiative when dealing with unexpected occurrences such as staff absences and fluctuating workload.
• Able to represent the department on special assignments/tasks.
• Maintains an appropriate patient volume and productivity record.
• Communicates with supervisor regarding activities, progress, problems etc.
• Positively supports and participates in Department professional activities.
• Demonstrates, problem solves, and consults on professional therapy skills with other staff giving rationale for these processes.
• Attends and contributes to interdisciplinary, hospital, and departmental meetings.
• Complies with all department, hospital, and regulatory agency policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Assists with durable medical equipment, performing stock, inventory, and ordering of supplies based on departmental and patient needs.
• Assists to maintain work area and facility tidy, organized, presentable and clean.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Current Illinois Occupational Therapist License required (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)

• Must be certified as an Occupational Therapist with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) required (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)
• Must have a current CPR certification required (MUST PROVIDE PROOF AT TIME OF INTERVIEW)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Prior hand, splinting, and/or pediatric experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

• Knowledge of current principles and practice of occupational therapy
• Possesses the knowledge of and recognizes the unique behaviors and needs of a variety of patient age groups (Neonate/Infant, Child, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric)
• Ability to prepare precise technical records and reports
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals
• Ability to physically assist with lifting and moving (i.e., transfers, gait training, bed mobility) persons of widely varying sizes and abilities repeatedly throughout the day
• Ability to work with patients with cognitive and behavioral disorders
• Ability to integrate knowledge into evaluation, care planning and treatment that incorporates age-appropriate responses to the physical and psychosocial needs of each patient
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient related materials in compliance with HIPAA requirements

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls, and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

VETERAN PREFERENCE

PLEASE READ

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for not less than 6 months of continuous service.

To take advantage of this preference a Veteranmust:

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.
• Identify self as a Veteran on the employment application by answering yes to the question by answering yes to the question, "Are you a Military Veteran?"

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215 or NGB 22(Notice of Separation at time of application filing. Please note: If you have multiple DD214s, 215s, or NGB 22S, Please submit the one with the latest date. Coast Guard must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (Before 9/11) or the Department of Homeland Security (After 9/11). Discharge papers must list and Honorable Discharge Status. Discharge papers not listing an Honorable Discharge Status are not acceptable.

OR

A copy of a valid State ID Card or Driver’s License which identifies the holder of the ID as a Veteran, may also be attached to the application at time of filing.

If items are not attached, you will not be eligible for Veteran Preference.

VETERANS MUST PROVIDE ORIGINAL APPLICABLE DISCHARGE PAPERS OR APPLICABLE STATE ID CARD OR DRIVER’S LICENSE AT TIME OF INTERVIEW

BENEFITS PACKAGE

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Basic Term Life Insurance
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time
• You may also qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

MUST MEET REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT TIME OF APPLICATION

*Degrees awarded outside the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

*Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions: satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure/certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.

*CCHHS is strictly prohibited from conditioning, basing or knowingly prejudicing or affecting any term or aspect of County employment or hiring upon or because of any political reason or factor.

If you have an issue completing your application, please call Taleo Support at 312-864-0430.