Occupational Therapist

Are you looking for a place with a patient-centered focus that gives you autonomy to practice and room to grow? Explore the possibilities a position on the Inpatient Rehab team at Watauga Medical Center might offer to you in an acute care setting. We pride ourselves on our family-like atmosphere, low staff turnover, and high employee engagement scores.

You could become part of an effective interdisciplinary team that consists of physical, occupational and speech therapists, nurses, physicians, social workers and others that pool their unique knowledge and skills to provide an excellent healthcare experience for all patients. With Joint Commission certifications in Chest Pain and Advance Primary Stoke Center, Watauga Medical Center is the area’s resource for cardiac and stoke care. A dedicated orthopedic unit allows our surgeons to be the primary providers of acute orthopedic and joint replacement services for the surrounding counties of North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Watauga Medical Center in Boone is a part of the Appalachian Regional Healthcare System, consisting of two hospitals and multi-system physician practices. At ARHS we believe in providing high quality, compassionate healthcare for our neighbors in the mountain region of northwest North Carolina and northeast Tennessee.

The area offers big-city attractions with small-town warmth. Home to Appalachian States University, the High Country offers something for everyone. If you love the outdoors, explore our miles of hiking and biking trails or, in the winter, head to one of our three ski areas. If you enjoy shopping and dining, explore the many shops and restaurants in our downtown area or in nearby Blowing Rock.

Position Summary

The Occupational Therapist (OT) uses critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and best practice to assist patients in finding ways to participate in activities of daily life. The OT helps those with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities find ways to succeed in everyday life. Using a holistic approach, OT modifies the patient’s environment and provides/educates patients and families on the use of adaptive equipment.

The OT’s decisions and actions with patients and families are determined in an ethical manner practicing compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth and unique attributes of each person. Effectively communicates with patients/families, visitors, colleagues, physicians, leadership, and volunteers. All areas of practice and care delivery are provided to achieve and maintain top decile results and outcomes for patient experience, quality, and patient safety. The OT follows and adheres to ARHS policies and procedures, regulatory requirements and standards of behavior. The OT practices within the practice and scope of their license.

The OT demonstrates the ARHS Mission, Vision, and Values in action and approaches work in a way that reflects a bias for action, efficiency, and personal accountability. The OT demonstrates professional conduct, effective communication, and effective completion of tasks. Effectively and professionally manages working relationships with coworkers, physicians, and all ARHS team members, in a way that promotes a healthy work environment. Responds quickly and accurately to emergencies in the work environment and/or to changes in patient condition. Performs duties under general supervision. Always assists coworkers, patients, families, and visitors regardless of the patient assignment, so long as the assistance is in-line with their scope of practice and license.

Compensation is commensurate upon education and experience. Hiring compensation ranges from $33.00 per hour. This is a non-exempt position.
Position Qualifications

Minimum Education
Minimum of Master’s Degree from an accredited university in Occupational Therapy
Experience
Satisfactory completion of student affiliations before graduation
One-year experience preferred
Required Registration/License/Certification
Licensed or eligible for licensure in North Carolina
Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills
Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of license and certifications and hospital policies and procedures
Knowledge of the continuum of care provided in the department
Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians
Physical Demands
Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
Exposed to unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
Handles emergency or crisis situations
Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays)
Working Conditions
Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases
Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
Exposed to unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces), etc.
Handles emergency or crisis situations
Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays)

About UNC Health Appalachian

It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.

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Location: UNC Health Appalachian · Rehabilitation (Inpatient)
Schedule: Full-time, Days & Weekends, 80

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