Occupational Therapist (Physical Med and Rehab)

What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas’ resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That’s where you come in.

The Occupational Therapist for the Physical Medicine & Rehab department provides occupational therapy evaluations and treatment for patients with physical, cognitive, and functional challenges. Develops individualized care plans, delivers evidence-based therapy, tracks patient progress, and collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.

Once you join us you won't want to leave. It’s because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you’d expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:

• 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
• Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time – all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
• The longer you stay, the more vacation you’ll accrue!
• Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
• Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!

We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees’ wellbeing is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...

• Free financial and legal counseling
• Free mental health counseling services
• Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
• Other employee discounts including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
• Resources for child and elder care
• Plus many more!

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist provides entry-level patient-centered evaluations and treatments for individuals with physical, cognitive, and functional challenges. This role delivers evidence-based care across outpatient clinics, inpatient hospital settings, and specialized programs. Responsibilities include implementing therapeutic interventions and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to optimize patient outcomes.

Position Key Accountabilities

Conducts comprehensive clinical evaluations addressing physical, cognitive, and functional abilities, including activities of daily living, mobility, and adaptive skills, considering medical, educational, social, and psychological factors.

Evaluates and treats a broad range of patient populations with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, and other functional limitations. Provide care for individuals recovering from injury, illness, or surgery, and address the unique needs of broad populations.

Performs diagnostic and assessment procedures relevant to occupational therapy, such as standardized and non-standardized evaluations of physical, cognitive, and functional abilities; assessments of activities of daily living, adaptive equipment evaluations, and interpretation of assessment findings to inform treatment planning.

Implements individualized treatment plans based on current evidence-based practices.

May participate in the development and writing of clinical research protocols in a support role; utilizes knowledge of area of expertise (e. g. therapy) to promote safety and efficacy in research questions, protocol development, interventions, and outcomes.

Delivers therapy sessions in person or via telehealth, documenting findings, treatment plans, and patient progress.

• Participates in departmental programs, research activities, and interdisciplinary initiatives as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Certification/Skills

Understands principles of occupational therapy and patient care, with an emphasis on assessing functional abilities and supporting basic therapy goals.

Makes routine clinical decisions with mentorship as needed, following established protocols and guidelines. Seeks guidance when needed and prioritizes patient needs when identifying treatment options.

Demonstrates emerging teamwork skills by collaborating effectively with colleagues and following guidance from supervisors. Participates in team discussions and supports a positive, patient-centered environment.

Communicates clearly and professionally with patients, families, and team members using appropriate terminology. Explains therapy goals and procedures in a way that is understandable and supportive.

Maintains awareness of foundational practices and guidelines in occupational therapy. Participates in required training and seeks guidance/support/mentorship to ensure compliance with current standards.

Provides oversight to Occupational Therapy Assistants as needed.

Work may involve handling biohazardous, chemical, and radiological materials, as well as operating associated equipment. Required safety training and appropriate engineering and administrative controls including the use of personal protective equipment must be followed.

Occupational Therapy (OT) by Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners - Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE) required

Minimum Education

Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited school required Doctorate Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited school preferred

Minimum Experience

None required

Physical Requirements

Exerts up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds frequently and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Security Sensitive

This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094.

To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position.

Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether things such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.

Veteran Information

Military occupations that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include but are not limited to: 0873, 0874, 42B1, 42B3, 42B4, 42BX, 42T1, 42T3, 42T4, 42TX, L32A.

For a complete list please visit uthealth-veterans.jobs.

Residency Requirement

Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas.