Occupational Therapist

Position Overview

The Occupational Therapist (OT) supports patients with physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges by promoting independence in everyday activities. Using critical thinking and a holistic approach, the OT evaluates patient needs, modifies environments, and educates on adaptive strategies and equipment. The OT collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care within the scope of licensure.

Compensation is commensurate upon education, experience, certification, and internal equity. Hiring compensation range begins at $36.28 per hour .

The Perks and Benefits

• Collaborative environment – Join a team that values your clinical expertise and compassionate care.

• Professional development – Access continuing education and leadership development opportunities.

• Meaningful impact – Help patients achieve independence and improve quality of life.

• Scenic location – Live and work in Boone, NC, surrounded by mountains, culture, and opportunity.

• Education-focused – Close to Appalachian State University and excellent local school systems.

• Compensation is commensurate upon education & experience – range is $36.28 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 and treat patients using evidence-based practices to enhance daily living and independence.

• Educate patients and families on adaptive equipment and techniques.

• Develop and document individualized care plans in collaboration with the care team.

• Monitor patient progress and adjust interventions as needed.

• Maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, safety protocols, and clinical policies.

• Provide compassionate and professional service to patients of all backgrounds and needs.

Position Requirements Minimum Education

• Minimum of Master’s Degree from an accredited university in Occupational Therapy

Experience

• Completion of student clinical affiliations prior to graduation required.

• One (1) year of experience preferred.

Required Registration/License/Certification

• Licensed or license-eligible to practice Occupational Therapy in North Carolina.

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication, clinical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.

• Competency in OT care delivery across the continuum.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams.

• Commitment to patient-centered care and safety.

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, the leader in High Country healthcare, consists of three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation . We are committed to improving health, enhancing quality of life, and making life better for our community.

About UNC Health UNC Health is a state entity affiliated with the University of North Carolina system , operating 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses, and over 500 clinics . Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided $400+ million in uncompensated or charity care to North Carolina residents.

UNC Health Appalachian values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process .

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening . For accommodations or additional information, contact ... .