Occupational Therapist I

The Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is seeking a creative, dynamic, and committed Occupational Therapist to fill a full-time Occupational Therapist I position. The Occupational Therapist will provide occupational therapy rehabilitative service by delivering evidenced-based and best practices evaluations and treatments. The Occupational Therapist will evaluate both psycho-social and daily functioning though informed evaluations, recommending and providing evidence-based interventions. They must work collaboratively with both the rehabilitations and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.  

Please Note: This is a full-time, 40 hour position.  The schedule is 8:00 AM- 4:30 PM. Monday through Friday.  The days off are Saturday and Sunday.

Duties and Responsibilities (these are a general summary and not all inclusive):

• Evaluates client's needs for Occupational Therapy through interview, observation, record review and by conducting diagnostic tests to establish and/or modify client treatment plans.
• Provides functional mobility and treatment and issues Activities of Daily Living (ADL) assessment and treatment.
• Develops and implements treatment plans for clients by selecting therapeutic activities, including manual arts and crafts, prevocational, vocational and homemaking skills, activities of daily living, etc. designed to achieve objectives.
• Conducts individual and group Occupational Therapy treatment activities with various other disciplines through meetings and reports to ensure effectiveness of clients' overall treatment programs.
• Participates in documentation in treatment plans, client progress and evaluation results to provide information concerning the content and effectiveness of Occupational Therapy treatment.
• Performs related duties such as maintaining records, ordering equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Attends meetings and in-service training programs.

Required Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of Occupational Therapy theory, principles, practices, terminology, treatment, methods, techniques and procedures.
• Understanding of the types and uses of equipment/materials used in providing Occupational Therapy.
• Proficiency of the techniques and methods of diagnostic and prognostic testing relative to Occupational Therapy.
• Comprehension of the principles of orthopedics, human anatomy, physiology, human growth and development as applied to Occupational Therapy.

• Recognition of the types and uses of orthopedic and prosthetic devices.
• Knowledge of calibration and/or adjustment techniques as applied to equipment used for providing Occupational Therapy.
• Capacity of the social, psychological and educational problems of physically, emotionally handicapped and the mentally ill.
• Understand, explain and apply the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Analyze and determine the applicability of Occupational Therapy data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Gather information through observing individuals' ability to communicate effectively in oral expression.
• Exercise sound judgment, and to maintain a calm manner in stressful and emergency situations.
• Administer precise, understandable written and oral instructions, and to follow written and oral instructions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Understanding of the types and uses of agency forms.
• Knowledge of the types and availability of public or private organizations or resources for providing Occupational Therapy.
• Comprehension of mission, philosophy and treatment principles of the psychiatric rehabilitation process.
• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency is preferred. ASL preferred.   Candidates must be able to read, write and otherwise communicate in English.

DMH Mission Statement:

The Department of Mental Health assures and provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals of all ages, enabling them to live, work and participate in their communities. The Department establishes standards to ensure effective and culturally competent care to promote recovery. The Department sets policy, promotes self-determination, protects human rights and supports mental health training and research.

Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) Statement

Located on over 100 acres in Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital (WRCH) is part of an integrated network of effective, efficient and culturally competent mental health services.  It provides intermediate and long-term inpatient care for individuals with serious and persistent mental illness who live in Massachusetts, as well as individuals requiring specialized court ordered evaluations.

WRCH provides inpatient services to 290 adults, inclusive of a Deaf Inpatient Mental Health Service, and 30 adolescents on the ACCU.

Learn more about WRCH: https://www.mass.gov/locations/worcester-recovery-center-and-hospital-wrch

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?  Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards

Pre-Hire Process:

A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines,
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.

If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the  Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form.

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 EXT 4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: None 
Special Requirements:  Possession of a current and valid Occupational Therapist license issued by the Board of Allied Health Professions in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Acts of 1982. 
Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.

COVID Vaccine: As a condition of employment, depending on job assignment and location, employees may be required to have received COVID-19 vaccination and/or other vaccinations, or to have been approved for a vaccination exemption prior to their start date. Details relating to demonstrating compliance with this requirement will be provided to applicants selected for employment.

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.