Occupational Therapist (OT)

Avera Health; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 46,838 - 70,602; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus up to $20,000 for experienced candidates

Student Loan Repayment program

PTO available from day one

Career development and mentorship

Job summary

Avera Health is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join their team in Pierre, SD. The role involves developing treatment plans, evaluating patients of all ages, and providing direct therapy services. Responsibilities also include collaborating with interdisciplinary team members and maintaining documentation.

Candidates must have an active state license and will benefit from Avera’s commitment to promoting professional growth. A support structure is in place for new graduates and the organization offers comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be able to work specified hours and communicate effectively with others.
• Visual acuity to perform position duties.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement individualized treatment programs for patients.
• Evaluate patients through various data collection methods.
• Provide direct therapy services to patients.

Skills

Patient evaluation

Individualized treatment program development

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

Occupational Therapist – active license in South Dakota

Job description

Location

Avera St Mary's Hospital, Pierre, SD. Work type: Regular. Shift: Primarily days with possible weekends/evenings/holidays.

Pay Range

$34.00 - $51.25 per hour, dependent upon experience.

Position Highlights

THIS POSITION IS LOCATED IN PIERRE, SD!

Sign‑On Bonus

New graduates may be eligible for up to $15,000 or $20,000 with 2 or more years of experience.

Student Loan Repayment

May be eligible for Avera’s Student Loan Repayment Program: each month an extra payment of $167 (up to $10,000) to help pay down principal faster.

Scope of Work

Able to work in a variety of areas including acute care, TCU/LTC, swing bed, pediatrics, outpatient adult.

You Belong at Avera

Be part of a multidisciplinary team built with compassion and the goal of moving health forward for patients and our community. Work where you matter.

Brief Overview

Responsible for the daily coordination and delivery of occupational therapy services that focus on conditions and health diagnoses, implementing specific treatment programs for individual patients and patient groups according to the principles and practices of occupational therapy and established objectives of the department.

What You Will Do

• Demonstrate knowledge of age‑specific factors and perform satisfactorily related to patients ages infant through geriatrics as noted on unit‑specific guidelines and competencies.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment programs for patients needing services.
• Evaluate assigned patients, gathering data from a variety of sources, such as patient records, interviews, observations and team members.
• Use selected activities and/or tasks to promote and maintain health, and to achieve treatment goals.
• Establish and modify intervention goals and strategies for patients/treatment programs based on ongoing evaluations.
• Provide direct therapy services to patients using various functional settings and strategies.
• Plan therapy within the patient’s individual physical, emotional, and intellectual capabilities as indicated and coordinated with the rehabilitation, medical, and nursing care plans.
• Prepare documentation as required by the profession and the department, such as evaluation results, individualized treatment plans, progress notes, and other reports.
• Communicate effectively with patient, family, physician, and other disciplinary team members regarding patient status, progress, and needs.
• Establish rapport and work cooperatively with interdisciplinary team members (including family/physician) throughout the patient’s intervention program.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in‑service meetings, workshops, etc.; share new knowledge with co‑workers.
• Evaluate and monitor clinical internship with students affiliated in various universities/colleges.
• Participate in program development of the department.

Essential Qualifications

The individual must be able to work the hours specified and perform each essential job function satisfactorily, including having visual acuity adequate to perform position duties and the ability to communicate effectively with others, listen, understand and distinguish speech and other sounds. These requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions, as long as the accommodations do not cause undue hardship to the employer.

Required Education, License / Certification, or Work Experience

• Occupational Therapist – active license in the state of practice upon hire.

Preferred Education, License / Certification, or Work Experience

• 1–3 years clinical patient care experience.

Expectations and Standards

Commitment to the daily application of Avera’s mission, vision, core values, and social principles to serve patients, their families, and our community. Promote Avera’s values of compassion, hospitality, and stewardship. Uphold Avera’s standards of Communication, Attitude, Responsiveness, and Engagement (CARE) with enthusiasm and sincerity. Maintain confidentiality. Work effectively in a team environment, coordinating workflow with other team members and ensuring a productive and efficient environment. Comply with safety principles, laws, regulations, and standards associated with, but not limited to, CMS, The Joint Commission, DHHS, and OSHA if applicable.

Benefits

• PTO available day 1 for eligible hires.
• Up to 5% employer matching contribution for retirement.
• Career development guided by hands‑on training and mentorship.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Avera is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other categories protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call or send an email to .