Travel Occupational Therapist, Acute Care & Inpatient Rehab

Job Description & Requirements

American Traveler is seeking a travel Occupational Therapist for a travel job in Santa Cruz, California.

• Specialty:
  Occupational Therapist
• Discipline:
  Therapy
• Start Date:
  
  04/13/2026
• Duration:
  13 weeks
• 40 hours per week
• Shift: 8 hours, days
• Employment Type:
  
  Travel

American Traveler is hiring a travel Occupational Therapist with a minimum of 2 years of acute care experience for a 13-week inpatient acute assignment with experience in ortho, neuro, and cardiac required.

• Inpatient acute care setting within a Rehab Therapies and Cardiac Rehab unit
• OT travelers work inpatient only; the unit also serves PT and Speech patients
• Common diagnoses include spinal cord injuries, TBI, stroke, cardiac rehab, and orthopedic conditions
• Pediatric patients are present (e.g., lymphedema, vestibular, wound care) but travelers are not required to have pediatric experience
• 8-hour day shifts with varied start times ranging from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, including a 30-minute lunch break
• Schedule includes every other Saturday or Sunday, with 2 weekend days per 4-week schedule; a weekday off is provided on weeks a weekend shift is worked
• Requires floating between units within the hospital and to acute rehab
• Charting is done in Cerner; experience preferred
• Phillips telemetry is used on unit
• Hospitalist in-house, RT 24/7, and pharmacy 24/7 available; no dedicated IV team
• First-time travelers will be considered for this position
• 3–5 years of experience is preferred, though the minimum is 2 years of acute care experience
• Orientation consists of 1 day of hospital orientation followed by 2–3 days of unit orientation
• A manager is available 7 days a week (primarily M–F with alternating weekends); the unit has one rehab aide for inpatient
• Holidays are filled via a sign-up sheet
• Required scrub colors are black or dark-colored pants with burgundy dress shirts or polos
• Candidates who have been directly employed (full-time, part-time, or PRN) by any Common Spirit, CHI, or Dignity facility within the past year are not eligible; candidates employed PRN through outside staffing firms will be considered
• Local candidates are accepted

• Active OT license required (if applicable); pending licenses will not be accepted
• Minimum 2 years of acute care experience required
• Experience with orthopedic, neurological, and cardiac patient populations required
• BLS certification required; pending certifications will not be accepted
• COVID vaccination required
• ICU experience preferred
• Outpatient or home health experience preferred
• Experience with physical disabilities preferred
• Spanish-speaking candidates preferred
• Valid driver's license required
• 2 professional references required: one supervisor from within the last 12 months and one peer or supervisor from within the last 3 years, both including dates of employment and eligibility for rehire

• High Pay and Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Day 1 Options
• 401(k) Plan
• Weekly Payroll Deposit
• Free Online CEUs
• Generous Housing Allowance
• Travel and Licensure Reimbursements
• Non-taxed Per Diem and Subsidy
• Traveler Rewards and Discounts

American Traveler Job  #P-675449. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title:
Travel Occupational Therapist - Acute Care Hospital

With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.

With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.

American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.

With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.