Occupational Therapist

Position Overview

The Occupational Therapist (OT) supports patients with physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges by promoting their ability to perform meaningful daily activities. Using a holistic and patient-centered approach, the OT evaluates individual needs, adapts environments, and educates patients and families on the use of adaptive equipment to improve quality of life and independence. The OT collaborates across disciplines to ensure safe, compassionate, and evidence-based care.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range begins at $33.00 per hour.

The Perks and Benefits

• Collaborative environment – Work alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in a mission-driven system.
• Professional development – We support continuing education, certification, and advancement through training and tuition reimbursement.
• Purpose-driven care – Make a lasting impact by helping patients achieve their daily living goals.
• Scenic location – Boone, NC offers access to outdoor adventure, a vibrant local community, and top-rated schools.
• Education-friendly – Located near Appalachian State University with strong public school systems.
• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience – range is $33.00 per hour or more. Benefits begin the first of the month following 60 days of employment from the new hire orientation date. This position is a non-exempt position with shift differential.
• Comprehensive benefits package to include health, dental, and vision insurance as well as HSA.
• Supplemental insurance to include short and long-term disability insurance, accidental insurance, life insurance, hospital indemnity insurance, critical illness insurance, identity theft protection, legal insurance, etc.
• Student loan refinancing benefit and college savings fund as well as tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees.
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off – front-loaded for the first year for qualifying part-time and full-time employees (amount based on status and FTE at the time of hire) – paid time off accrual begins following the first year of employment. Cash out option also available for qualifying employees by meeting specified criteria.
• Paid parental leave – qualifying employees are eligible to use two (2) weeks of paid parental leave anytime during the first six (6) months following the birth or adoption of a child – to be taken consecutively.
• Employee Wellness program – Love Your Life – award-winning voluntary wellness program available for UNC Health Appalachian employees. Employees enrolled on the organization's health plan can enroll with our health screening (biometrics and labs) and earn program incentives. Employees who are not enrolled on the organization's health plan can participate in online wellness activities for a chance to earn quarterly prize drawings.
• Employee to Employee (E2E) program – Caring for our own. Employee program that is solely funded by voluntary employee donations. The money is used to financially assist co-workers that are experiencing unexpected financial hardship.
• Employee perks to include discounted rates for Dollywood, Biltmore, Tweetsie Railroad, etc. (subject to change).

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients' physical, emotional, and environmental needs and develop individualized treatment plans.

• Provide therapeutic interventions that promote independence in daily living activities.

• Train patients and caregivers on the use of adaptive equipment and modified techniques.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure goal-oriented and coordinated care.

• Maintain accurate documentation and adhere to professional, ethical, and legal standards.

Position Requirements

Minimum Education

• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited university.

Experience

• Satisfactory completion of student affiliations prior to graduation required.

• One year of experience preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification

• Licensed or license-eligible in North Carolina.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.

• Knowledge of safe and effective OT practices within regulatory and licensing boundaries.

• Ability to tailor care approaches across the continuum.

• Commitment to exceptional patient service and outcomes.

Physical Demands

• Continuous standing and walking long periods = to or greater than > 8 hours per shift
• Speaking, reading, and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
• Exposed to vibration and cramped spaces > 1-hour day
• Frequently mobilizes patients > 4 hours per day
• Frequently per shift: lifts, carries, pushes, and/or, pulls > 50 lbs.
• Frequently per hour: bends, squats, kneels, twists, turns, and reaches
• Frequently per minute: hand, finger, and wrist repetition and moderate dexterity
• Frequently per hour: exposed to soft voices > 3 feet away
• Frequently per hour: exposed to close eye work
• Infrequently per shift: may be exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure, including x-ray and microwave

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
UNC Health Appalachian is a leader in healthcare in the High Country, comprising three hospitals, 13 medical practices, and other healthcare services. We are committed to improving the health and quality of life in the High Country and enhancing the lives of our patients.

About UNC Health
UNC Health is part of the University of North Carolina system, with a network of 14 hospitals and over 500 clinics. We aim to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians while advancing the mission of the UNC School of Medicine. Over the last three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated care. Our hospitals are recognized for their excellence in patient care, safety, and experience.

Diversity and Inclusion
UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and seeks a workforce that reflects diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We encourage applicants from all experiences and backgrounds. Our hiring process is inclusive, with accommodations provided as needed. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks and drug screening. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu. 

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Salary : $33