Occupational Therapist I

Arkansas Children’s is the state’s only healthcare system exclusively dedicated to the health and well-being of more than 700,000 children across Arkansas. As a private, non-profit organization, the system encompasses two pediatric hospitals, a pediatric research institute, a USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and numerous education and outreach initiatives — all united in the mission to deliver exceptional pediatric care and redefine child health.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) in Little Rock is a 336-bed, Magnet-recognized facility and the only Level I pediatric trauma center in the state. It also houses Arkansas’ only pediatric burn center, Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and a Level I verified pediatric surgery program accredited by the American College of Surgeons. ACH is home to the state’s only MEG (magnetoencephalography) system used for advanced neurosurgical planning and research, as well as the only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. In 2022–2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked ACH nationally in seven pediatric specialties: Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Pulmonology, and Urology.

Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW), located in Northwest Arkansas, is the region’s first and only pediatric hospital. As a Level IV pediatric trauma center, ACNW features a 24-bed inpatient unit, a surgical suite with five operating rooms, outpatient clinics covering more than 20 specialties, diagnostic imaging, occupational therapy services, and the area’s only pediatric emergency department with 30 exam rooms.

Rooted in a legacy of compassionate care since its founding as an orphanage in 1912, Arkansas Children’s continues to thrive thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers. This support empowers the system to fulfill its enduring commitment: to define and deliver unprecedented child health.

About the Job

Arkansas Children’s is a tobacco-free workplace, and annual flu vaccinations are mandatory for all employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable laws.

Important Notice: This position is classified as safety-sensitive and therefore cannot be filled by candidates who are current users of medical marijuana.

Current Employees: Please submit your application through the internal career portal by logging into your Workday account at https://www.myworkday.com/archildrens/ and selecting the “Find Jobs” report.

Position Information

• Shift: Day Shift

• Employment Type: Full-Time

• Department: Occupational Therapy (CC014290)

• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM; with occasional weekend and holiday coverage

• Preferred Experience: Two years in a clinical setting

Education Requirements

• Required: Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

• Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree

Experience Requirements

• Required: Entry-level; no prior experience needed

• Preferred: At least two years of occupational therapy experience

Licensing & Certification Requirements

• Required:

  • Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR) – National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT)

  • Occupational Therapist License (OT) – Arkansas State Medical Board

• Preferred:

  • Board Certification in Pediatrics – American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA)

  • Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS) – Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists

Position Summary

As an Occupational Therapist, you will perform evaluations and therapeutic interventions for patients with routine to moderately complex needs. You will be responsible for documenting and billing according to department protocols and will participate in education, maintenance, and program development activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Review patient charts, team reports, and other sources to conduct thorough, developmentally appropriate evaluations.

• Apply a sound understanding of age-specific growth and development to assess patient needs.

• Create individualized treatment plans and establish measurable goals with input from patients and families.

• Educate patients, caregivers, and family members about the treatment plan, therapy techniques, and identified deficits.

• Deliver evidence-based treatment using suitable modalities; monitor progress and update the care plan as needed.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in line with hospital policies and procedures.

• Adapt to shifting departmental demands with a positive, proactive attitude.

• Manage time effectively to meet productivity standards; accurately input treatment charges.

• Take initiative in completing daily patient care responsibilities without needing reminders.

• Support the department through participation in maintenance tasks and adherence to clinical protocols.

• Demonstrate clear, respectful, and effective communication with patients, families, and colleagues.

• Collaborate with team members to achieve goals, share responsibilities, and serve as a mentor for student observers.

• Actively contribute to a positive patient experience through professional and compassionate interaction.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

  ---

  APPLY