DSHS WSH Occupational Therapist

DSHS WSH Occupational Therapist 3

As part of Western State Hospital’s medical clinic, we have an opening for an occupational therapist to join our growing team addressing the physical health needs of patients referred by our internal physicians. This recently established team is focused on caring for the physical deficits of our patients with upper extremity injuries and/or deficits. A new physical clinic will open soon, and we are excited to add a team member who is interested in treating a wide range of upper extremity injuries in an environment that supports thoughtful therapeutic intervention.

This is an opportunity to bring fresh eyes to a new group and contribute meaningfully to its operations and growth while increasing your own skills.

This position is Monday‑Friday, 8:00‑4:30 pm, and it is onsite. Pierce County employees may receive an ORCA card for transportation needs. Opportunities performed on‑site at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Those hired for this opportunity are entitled to an additional 5% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary.

• Assess and provide treatment to patients 1:1 as referred by physicians in the clinic.
• Evaluate, develop, plan, and prepare plans of care addressing a wide range of physical deficits for patients utilizing evidence‑based practice.
• Treat patients according to plans of care.
• Document patient progress and update team members as needed.
• Supervise occupational therapy assistants, interns, and/or students as needed.

• Experience working with patients with behavioral and physical health diagnoses.
• Skill in documentation.
• Ability to comprehend, educate others, and grade treatments according to patient strengths and challenges.
• Knowledge of various treatment types and modalities using evidence‑based practice.
• Ability to establish rapport with patients that may have a wide range of communication and social skills to provide treatment and encourage compliance while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to work as an integral part of a team via excellent communication skills in providing and receiving feedback in a constructive, positive manner.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt as needed for the challenges specific to working in a psychiatric, forensic environment.

Graduates from an accredited Occupational Therapy program, successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination, AND three years of professional Occupational Therapy experience.

Three years of experience in occupational therapy treating upper body physical deficits.

• We are not for profit and not driven by production, allowing our occupational therapists the ability to focus on developing treatment approaches and emphasize inpatient care.
• Clinical autonomy and encouragement from leadership inspire OTs to be creative and innovative in developing intervention strategies.
• Team collaboration among OTs and a variety of medical professionals supports an environment of continuous growth and professional development.
• Retirement and benefits are ideal—start a long‑term career that supports a healthy work‑life balance.

• We do not track nor measure productivity percentages. Performance measures focus on quality of care and reasonable expectations that prioritize patient care over financial performance. Separate time is built into this position’s schedule to allow time for documentation, hygienic practices, evaluation preparation and research of novel presentations and/or treatment.
• This position has a guaranteed 40 hours a week (with no overtime demands) regardless of ebb/flow of referrals. During times of lower demand, this position is expected to focus on developing therapeutic skills or completing departmental needs.
• All state holidays and weekends are off.
• This position has autonomy in developing treatment plans and determining if skilled treatment is needed, for how long, how often and when it is no longer necessary. Everyone having input into the plan is a licensed…