Occupational Therapist Senior / Occupational Therapist

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 74,000 - 109,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Hiring incentive up to $2,500

Job summary

Direct Care and Treatment in Willmar, MN is seeking a licensed Occupational Therapist Senior (or Occupational Therapist) to join our CABHH Willmar team. The role focuses on evidence-based OT for children and adolescents with serious behavioral and emotional conditions, with access to a sensory room, outdoor spaces, and a multidisciplinary team.

The position offers relocation assistance and a hiring incentive up to $2,500; occasional evenings and weekends may apply, with day shifts and occasional

Qualifications

• Licensed to practice occupational therapy in Minnesota or eligible for MN licensure before appointment.
• Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.
• Senior level requires 18+ months post-licensure OT experience or a Masters with 6 months; Doctorate accepted.
• Experience with children/adolescents in mental health settings is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the rehabilitation director and CABHH OT team to deliver evidence-based OT services.
• Plan and implement OT interventions based on assessments and client goals using varied modalities.
• Support staff and adapt environments to enhance learning and engagement in treatment.
• Document all OT services per policy and procedure.
• Evaluate functional abilities using standardized and non-standardized tests.

Education

Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy

Master's degree in occupational therapy

Doctorate in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Working Title: Occupational Therapist Senior / Occupational Therapist

Job Class: Occupational Therapist Senior / Occupational Therapist

Agency: Direct Care and Treatment

Location: Willmar

Telework Eligible: No

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Unlimited

Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers

Date Posted: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/15/2026

Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT MAPE State Operated Svcs

Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / CABHS Willmar Prof

Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am-4:30pm and occasional evenings

Days of Work: Monday - Friday with occasional weekends and holidays

Travel Required: No

• Salary Range:
  • Occupational Therapist Senior: $35.30 - $52.35 / hourly; $73,706 - $109,307 / annually
  • Occupational Therapist: $31.81 - $46.96 / hourly; $66,419 - $98,052 / annually

Classified Status: Classified

Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE

FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional

Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well‑being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position may be eligible for relocation expenses and a hiring incentive of up to $2500!

Our Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospital (CABHH) in Willmar, MN is seeking a talented, mission driven, person‑centered Occupational Therapist to join our team and make a difference in the lives of others. We provide mental health services for children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 6-18) with serious behavioral and emotional conditions.

Job Duties Include

• Working collaboratively with the rehabilitation director and other CABHH occupational therapists to bring evidence-based, innovative occupational therapy services to the program. Environment offers limitless possibilities, including use of a designated sensory room, use of secure outdoor courtyards, and indoor gross motor activity space.
• Plans and implements occupational therapy interventions based on the assessment, evaluation, client goals, current best practice and clinical reasoning. Services will focus on specialized interventions that build skills and motivation for recovery and relapse prevention. Examples include use of music, drumming, yoga, art, sensory strategies, animal assisted interventions, and more.
• Team support to help staff adapt to individual needs and modify the environment to enhance learning and client engagement in treatment.
• Documentation of all occupational therapy services provided is completed per policy & procedure.
• Evaluates the functional abilities and occupational participation of clients using a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must be licensed to practice occupational therapy in the state of Minnesota; OR be currently licensed to practice occupational therapy in another state and must obtain licensure in Minnesota prior to appointment.

Occupational Therapist

• Have Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program;

Occupational Therapist Senior

• Have a Bachelor's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program; AND
• At least 18 months of professional, post-licensure occupational therapy experience

OR

• Have Master's degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program;
• At least 6 months of professional, post-licensure occupational therapy experience

OR

• Have a Doctorate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children and adolescents in an inpatient or residential mental health setting.
• Advanced training or certification in sensory processing strategies, trauma-informed care, or specialized modalities (e.g., Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, yoga, music, or art-based interventions).
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to design and adapt therapeutic environments for complex behavioral needs.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran‑friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Annual pay increases
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well‑being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.