The Metro Boston Mental Health Units of the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital are seeking a qualified candidate to fill the full-time position of Occupational Therapist. The ideal candidate will be a talented, compassionate, and experienced Occupational Therapist licensed to practice in Massachusetts.

Shift Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

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

• As Occupational Therapist evaluate, develop and implement O.T. programming needs in collaboration with Director of Rehab Services. O.T. services to include evaluation of individual patients’ skills, limitations and interests through direct observation, record review, and by use of specific occupational therapy assessment tools as well as selection of appropriate therapeutic activities designed to achieve objectives which are realistic and which reflect patients’ individual needs and goals.
• Provide direction to supervisees regarding Occupational Therapy assessment and recommendations for treatment to patients on MBMHU units as determined by rehab services department practice; identify functional skills, strengths and limitations to assist with discharge planning.
• As Occupational Therapist Supervisor, evaluate, develop and implement O.T. programming needs in collaboration with Director of Rehab Services, supervise Occupational Therapy and/or other Rehab Counseling staff. - Provide education and training regarding O.T. and O.T. assessment to MBMHU staff and patients.
• Fulfills responsibilities as Occupational Therapist on assigned unit, acting as rehab team member to individual patients and collaborating with other team members regarding rehab activities.
• Administers occupational therapy assessment for all new admissions on assigned unit and determines appropriate rehabilitation treatment plan.
• Designs and facilitates, in collaboration with the rehab department, a group program that includes skill building, psychoeducational, leisure and vocational activities, taking into account the relevancy to patients as related to age and skill level. Facilitates groups on unit and in the community.
• Coordinates with the unit-based leadership team and unit staff to ensure that groups are organized, attended and consistently held. - Informs staff and patients verbally and through written schedules and notices of all activities both on and off the unit.
• Assists with all aspects of rehabilitation including teaching, leading and co-leading groups to assist patients with improving functional abilities, completing projects, developing independent living skills and exploring vocational interests.
• Works independently to plan, organize, supervise and review special events and activities in the community to encourage growth and opportunity for patients. Provides therapeutic community transition experiences, including transportation (as driver or co-leader capacity) of patients and staff to community-based sites.
• Attends rounds, team meetings and other relevant meetings to give and hear progress, to discuss referrals and to review problems and relevant issues.
• Has familiarity with local community-based rehab programs. Educates staff and patients regarding same. Facilitates referrals to community-based rehab programs. -
• Completes assigned documentation.
• Performs related duties such as: maintaining records, ordering equipment, monitoring materials and supplies, providing technical advice to others, attending meetings and Inservice trainings programs.
• Perform administrative/managerial tasks as assigned by the Senior Lead of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Services, as necessary for operation of Occupational Therapy Services.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Senior Lead of Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation Service.

Required Qualifications

• Proficiency of the theory, principles, and practices of occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the treatment methods, techniques, and procedures used in occupational therapy.
• Expertise of the techniques and methods of diagnostic and prognostic testing relative to occupational therapy.
• Expertise of the human anatomy and physiology as applied to occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment and materials used in providing occupational therapy.
• Familiarity of the methods of general report writing.
• Ability to analyze and determine the applicability of occupational therapy data, to draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
• Excellent organizational and writing skills.
• Capacity to work collaboratively and demonstrate effective communication skills as well as ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner.
• Power to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to assemble items of information in accordance with established procedures.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of supervision.
• Knowledge of the methods used in employee performance evaluation.
• Ability to supervise, including planning and assigning work according to the nature of the job to be accomplished, the capabilities of subordinates and available resources; controlling work through periodic reviews and evaluations; determining subordinates’ training needs and providing or arranging for such training; motivating subordinates to work effectively; determining the need for disciplinary action and either recommending or initiating disciplinary action.

Preferred Qualifications

In addition to the minimum entrance requirements for Occupational Therapist II, prefer candidate who has the following:

• Knowledge of and experience with working with adults living with severe and persistent mental illness on inpatient psychiatric service.
• Familiarity and comfort working with multidisciplinary teams to analyze complex problems, build consensus and implement organizational improvements.

• Given the population served, bilingual or multilingual fluency.

Hospital Mission

At the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital, we take pride in helping people recover from illnesses and conditions that are often underserved or difficult to manage in other health care settings. The DMH units within the Hospital provide inpatient psychiatric services to adults with serious mental illness with the goal of enhancing autonomy, safety and return to the community.

Patients are treated by a multidisciplinary team, led by attending psychiatrists which also includes psychologists, clinical social workers, psychiatric nurses, mental health workers, peer specialists, occupational therapists and rehabilitative staff specializing in vocational, recreational and expressive therapies. A variety of treatment modalities are used, including psychopharmacologic, psychotherapeutic (individual, group and family), psycho-educational, behavioral, cognitive and milieu therapies.

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.

ADA Reasonable Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests

For questions regarding this requisition, please contact Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800- 510-4122 Ext. #4

Minimum Entrance Requirements: Applicants must have at least one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional experience as an occupational therapist.

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.

Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

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!

Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.

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.