Job Description

Posting number: 2026-00029

Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division: BHHA

Job classification: OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Mental Health, Human Services, Medical

Summary

DSHS WSH Occupational Therapist 3

As part of Western State Hospital’s medical clinic, we have an opening for an occupational therapist to join our growing team addressing the physical health needs of patients referred by our internal physicians. This is a recently established team that is focused on caring for the physical deficits of our patients with a focus on upper extremity injuries and/or deficits. We have a new physical clinic opening soon and are excited to add a team member that is interested in treating a wide range of upper extremity injuries in an environment that supports thoughtful therapeutic intervention. This is an opportunity to bring fresh eyes to a recently established group and contribute meaningfully to its operations and growth while increasing your own skills.

This position is M-F, 8-4:30, and it is onsite.

Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary. Those hired for this opportunity are entitled to an additional 5% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary

Some of what you'll do

• Assess and provide treatment to patients 1:1 as referred by physicians in the clinic.
• Evaluate and develop, plan, and prepare plans of care addressing a wide range of physical deficits for patients utilizing evidence-based practice.
• Treat patients according to plans of care.
• Document patient progress and update team members as needed
• Supervise occupational therapy assistant(s), intern(s), and/or student(s) as needed.

What we're looking for

• Experience working with patients with behavioral and physical health diagnoses.
• Skill in documentation.
• Ability to comprehend, educate others, and grade treatments according to patient's strengths and challenges.
• Knowledge of various treatment types and modalities using evidence-based practice.
• Ability to establish rapport with patients that may have a wide range of communication and social skills to provide treatment and encourage treatment compliance while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to work as an integral part of a team via excellent communication skills in providing and receiving feedback in a constructive, positive manner.
• Willingness to learn new skills and adapt as needed for the challenges specific to working in a psychiatric, forensic environment.

Who should apply?

Graduates from an accredited Occupational Therapy program, successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination AND three years of professional Occupational Therapy experience.

Preferred:

Three years of experience in occupational therapy treating upper body physical deficits.

Enjoy a variety of perks and look forward to each day on the job

• Uniquely, we're not for profit and not driven by production, allowing our Occupational Therapists the ability to focus on developing treatment approaches and emphasize inpatient care.
• Clinical autonomy and encouragement from leadership inspire our OTs to be creative and innovative in developing intervention strategies.
• Team collaboration among OTs and a variety of medical professionals supports an environment of continuous growth and professional development.
• Retirement and benefits are ideal — start a long-term career that supports a healthy work-life balance.

Additional Information

• We do not track nor measure productivity percentages. Performance measures are focused on quality of care and reasonable expectations that focus on patient care versus financial performance. Separate time is built into this position’s schedule to allow time for documentation, hygienic practices, evaluation preparation and research of novel presentations and/or treatment.
• This position has a guaranteed 40 hours a week (with no overtime demands) regardless of ebb/flow of referrals. During times of lower demand, this position is expected to focus on developing their therapeutic skills or completing departmental needs.
• All state holidays and weekends off.
• This position has autonomy in developing treatment plans and determining if skilled treatment is needed, for how long, how often and when it is no longer necessary. Everyone having input into the plan is a licensed medical professional with responsibility for treating the patient and the focus is on patient care versus financial performance measures.
• Sessions are always 1:1 with patients that have specifically been referred to us by the treating physician due to a physical deficit. Each patient has multiple reviews of current behavioral patterns prior to being escorted to the clinic and is not permitted to attend if recently assaultive. Additionally, the patient has generally requested Physical Occupational Therapy services so patients being seen have requested our care and are cooperative.
• When working with patients another therapist/staff is always present. We do not treat patients without other staff present. During an evaluation there is always another occupational therapy staff member.

Click here to learn more about who we are, Western State Hospital, and how our staff makes a difference in transforming lives.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please contact Kathy.Simmons@dshs.wa.gov and reference 00029, or you may call (360) 725-5810.

Supplemental information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protect­ed veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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