Occupational Therapist I at University of Maryland Medical System in Aberdeen, Maryland

Job Description

Job Requirements

Job Title

Occupational Therapist I

Job Code

50137

Previous Job Title

Infor Job #

5993

Job Family

Rehabilitation Therapy

Member Organization

COMMON

FLSA

Exempt

Date Created

3/9/2025

Pay Grade

121

Work Schedule – 8:00 am -4:30pm, Monday through Friday

Job Summary

Delivers occupational therapy services through the evaluation of patient needs, goal determination, and development of treatment plans according to the principles and practices of occupational therapy.

Primary Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

· Performs occupational therapy services to patients in accordance with generally accepted occupational therapy standards, Maryland State Board Practice, code of ethics, and departmental and/or organizational policies and procedures.

· Performs patient assessments and develops individualized treatment plan programs for clients/patients to promote health, well-being, and the patient’s ability to participate in the important activities in their life. Develops and maintains long- and short-term treatment objectives and re-evaluates and modifies treatment programs as necessary.

· Records patient evaluations, re-evaluations and care provided in the medical record, in accordance with departmental documentation standards.

· Informs patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members of evaluation results and plan for treatment and refers for further evaluation.

· Plans and provides therapy education and counseling to individuals.

· Provides

mentorship and training to clinical team members and/or students as eligible based on departmental needs.

· Participates in performance improvement activities and suggests areas for improvement to colleagues in a tactful and considerate manner. Proposes performance improvement topics and alternate treatment techniques to improve therapy services.

· Reports clinical and operational issues to departmental leadership and assists in their resolution to assure high quality care and efficient departmental operations.

· Demonstrates interdisciplinary, safe, patient-centered care and delivers excellent customer service.

· Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience – Required

·

Education:

Master’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree accepted if licensed prior to 2008 (per previous requirement).

·

Experience:

None

·

Licensure/Certifications:

o Licensed Occupational Therapist in the state of Maryland

o

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

· Ability to access, review, and integrate information from a variety of sources to develop a treatment plan.

· Strong verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills, including the ability to instruct others.

· Interpersonal skills to enable the therapist to establish and maintain rapport with patient as part of the therapeutic relationship.

· Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse healthcare team.

· Ability to manage time and set priorities according to the demands of the job.

· Ability to conceptualize and problem-solve in the management of the patient.

· Ability to break down functional tasks to achieve patient centered goals.

· Ability to communicate effectively with team members and patients.

· Ability and willingness to adapt hours of availability to variable and changing needs of the organization.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality with patients and team members.

· Ability to effectively use various pieces of medical and therapeutic equipment.

The form below specifies the physical demands

required

to perform the job; the equipment and tools used; and the working conditions. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. See following page for physical descriptors.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demand

Frequency

Physical Demand

Frequency

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work Environment: Medical Related Facility – climate and lighting controlled, clean, but with biohazards and medical equipment hazards.

Physical Requirements: Strenuous-regular and considerable walking, climbing or standing for extended periods, regular lifting, pushing or pulling of objects, materials, tools, equipment, and/or patients weighing up to 50 pounds.

Fine Manipulation Skills Requirements: Moderate-work requires regular fine manipulation in keyboarding, setting equipment controls and typically use of both hands.

Corrected Vision Requirements: Normal Range Far and Peripheral Vision

Speaking Attribute Requirement: Communicates effectively in person to person speech.

Hearing Attribute Requirement: Hear and decipher person speech in person

Detail any

additional physical demands and/or working conditions required to perform the job: Work environment may include additional settings (community-based settings).

A reasonable accommodation may be available to perform one or more of the essential functions of this job. For information on how to request a reasonable accommodation during the application stage and/or for the job described on this form, please contact your local Human Resources Representative.

Work Experience

Behavioral Health Clinician/Therapist – Inpatient & Outpatient Services

Position Summary

The Behavioral Health Clinician/Therapist provides comprehensive clinical services across inpatient, Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) settings. The clinician is responsible for conducting behavioral health assessments, facilitating therapeutic groups, developing individualized treatment plans, promoting patient safety, and supporting patients in developing coping skills, activities of daily living (ADL) functioning, and recovery-oriented strategies. The position works collaboratively with an interdisciplinary treatment team to ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered behavioral health care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Assessment and Evaluation

• • Complete comprehensive psychosocial, behavioral health, and risk assessments upon admission and throughout treatment.

• • Conduct mental health evaluations, suicide risk assessments, and safety assessments.

• • Develop, implement, and update individualized treatment plans based on clinical findings and patient goals.

• • Monitor patient progress and modify treatment interventions as clinically indicated.

• • Collaborate with psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, case managers, and other interdisciplinary team members.

Group Therapy Facilitation

• • Facilitate therapeutic groups within inpatient, PHP, and IOP programs.

• • Provide evidence-based group interventions focused on:

• • Coping skills development

• • Emotional regulation

• • Stress management

• • Anxiety and depression management

• • Relapse prevention

• • Psychoeducation

• • Communication and interpersonal effectiveness

• • Trauma-informed care

• • Recovery and wellness planning

• • Develop and maintain group curricula and treatment materials.

• • Document group participation, progress, and treatment outcomes according to regulatory and organizational standards.

Individual and Family Interventions

• • Provide individual counseling and crisis intervention services.

• • Facilitate family meetings and family education as appropriate.

• • Assist patients in identifying strengths, barriers, and goals to support recovery and community reintegration.

• • Support discharge planning and continuity of care.

Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Functional Skills

• • Assess functional abilities and barriers impacting independent living.

• • Provide interventions designed to improve:

• • Personal hygiene and self-care

• • Medication adherence

• • Time management

• • Community living skills

• • Social functioning

• • Health and wellness practices

• • Support patients in developing practical skills necessary for successful recovery and maintenance in the community.

Safety and Crisis Management

• • Maintain a therapeutic and safe treatment environment.

• • Identify and respond to psychiatric emergencies and behavioral crises.

• • Complete safety plans and crisis intervention documentation.

• • Monitor for suicide risk, self-harm behaviors, aggression, and other safety concerns.

• • Implement de-escalation techniques and emergency procedures as needed.

• • Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory, and accreditation standards.

Documentation and Compliance

• • Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation, assessments, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.

• • Maintain compliance with Joint Commission, CMS, state licensing requirements, and organizational policies.

• • Participate in treatment team meetings, case reviews, and quality improvement initiatives.

Benefits

Compensation:

Pay Range: $36.83 – $55.29

Other Compensation (if applicable):

Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide

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