Occupational Therapist for Psychiatry

Primary Location

Department

Shift

Schedule

Weekly Hours

FTE

Employee Status

*Expected Starting Pay Range

*Starting pay is based on experience, skills, and equity; exceptions may apply for highly qualified candidates. Additional pay (e.g., shift, on‑call, or weekend differentials) and benefits may apply. Annual pay may vary based on FTE status.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST FOR PSYCHIATRY

Location: College Hill Campus, 5642 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati OH 45224

Schedule: 32 hours/week, during Monday-Friday work week

Required Education and Experience

• Master's or doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program required
• National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)
• State of Ohio license
  

About Occupational Therapy at Cincinnati Children's

Occupations are the familiar and meaningful activities that people do every day. Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) helps children learn skills and participate in activities for successful, independent daily living. OT at Cincinnati Children’s makes it possible for children, adolescents and young adults with injuries, physical challenges or developmental disabilities to engage in normal daily life to the greatest extent possible.

For children, OT focuses on developing specific life skills. Through specific exercises and task-related activities, occupational therapists help kids learn or regain these critical skills. When skill and strength cannot be developed or improved, we work with your child and family in developing creative alternatives to achieve goals.

Our occupational therapists work with physical therapists and other specialists to create a customized program which addresses your child’s unique needs. The therapy process includes an initial evaluation, during which we assess your child’s current level of function. After the evaluation, the occupational therapist will create a treatment plan that may include:

• Fine motor skills
• Oral motor function and feeding skills
• Activities of daily living
• Cognition
• Visual perception
• Sensory integration
• Aquatic (pool) therapy
• Instructions for home exercise programs

• Recommendations/training in the use of wheelchairs and other equipment that helps replace lost function
• Recommendations on how to adapt the home and school environment
• Guidance for family members about safe and effective methods of caring for their child

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Clinical Knowledge and Skills - Performs assessments and treatment planning, and implements treatment utilizing sound knowledge of normal development and information from appropriate resources. Takes into consideration the psycho-social needs of the patient and family throughout the provision of care and includes them in the decision making process. Utilizes a variety of evidenced based interventions, modifying the plan based on the patient's progress and response to treatment. Facilitates carry-over of progress by providing a comprehensive and updated home program. Effectively implements Guidelines for Determining Frequency of Therapy from onset of therapy to discharge. Demonstrates effective and ongoing communication with all members of the healthcare team, including patient, caregivers, and/or parents.
• Clinical Responsibilities - Performs in a manner which conforms to the AOTA/APTA Code of Ethics and appropriate legal and departmental requirements for the practice of OT/PT during treatment, documentation and communication. Meets and/or exceeds the expectations of customers (i.e. physicians, patients, families, etc.) in the delivery of patient care. Takes initiative for completion of required competencies for assignment(s). Assumes responsibility for mentoring, orienting, and training of co-workers as appropriate. Willingly volunteers and accepts responsibility for participation in student clinical training to include serving as a primary clinical instructor on an ongoing basis. Completes all indirect patient care activities and responsibilities in a thorough and timely manner. Actively participates in departmental projects assuming responsibility for timely and effective outcomes. Shares leadership responsibilities within the department and CCHMC.
• Clinical Documentation - Assumes responsibility for understanding the documentation requirements for assigned area and for becoming competent in use of the designated system/format. Demonstrates proficiency in all documentation so that it is completed in a timely and thorough manner. Follows established CCHMC, departmental and/or agency standards regarding documentation and distribution of written and/or electronic documents. Completes documentation so that patient's progress and status is clearly discernible. Submits documentation with complete and accurate representation of time spent that supports daily charges.
• Fiscal Responsibility - Understands the need for individual productivity targets and works proactively with supervisor(s) to establish a reasonable target based upon departmental need and assigned non-reimbursable activities. Continuously self- monitors performance in the area of productivity and develops an action plan when target is not being met. Accurately completes charges daily following departmental guidelines regarding coding and charging. Proactively works with schedulers, supervisor(s), and peers to insure that time created by no shows, cancellations, and/or low census is used efficiently and productively and that departmental needs are being met.
• Evidence Based Practice and Research - Utilizes clinical pathways, assessments, and tools identified by the division as best practice to guide the delivery of care. Actively reviews current literature and uses information to guide practice. Participates in evidence based practice initiatives within the division such as serving as an EBP team member or leader and/or participating on a Clinical Specialty Committee or Journal Club. Demonstrates an understanding of the critical need for research in the field of OT and is aware of the research activities within the department and CCHMC. Participates in research activities based upon clinical assignment and interest.

To provide direct patient care upon referral. To participate in patient care activities in collaboration with other Cincinnati Children's health care professionals, clinics and community agencies.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• 0+ years of work experience in a related job discipline
• Occupational Therapist License and NBCOT Certification

About Us

At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a holistic team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s. 

 Cincinnati Children's is: 

• Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 10  best Children's Hospitals in the nation for more than 15 years 

• Consistently among the top 3 Children's Hospitals for National Institutes of Health (NIH) Funding 

• Recognized as one of America’s Best Large Employers  (2025), America’s Best Employers for New Grads (2025) 

• One of the nation's America’s Most Innovative Companies as noted by Fortune 

• Consistently certified as great place to work 

• A Leading Disability Employer as noted by the National Organization on Disability 

• Magnet® designated for the fourth consecutive time by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) 

 We Embrace Innovation—Together.  We believe in empowering our teams with the tools that help us work smarter and care better. That’s why we support the responsible use of artificial intelligence. By encouraging innovation, we’re creating space for new ideas, better outcomes, and a stronger future—for all of us. 

Comprehensive job description provided upon request.

Cincinnati Children’s is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment of dignity and respect for all our employees, patients, and families. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, genetic information, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. EEO/Veteran/Disability