Brattleboro Retreat·Brattleboro, Vermont
Facilitates the rehabilitation of patients with mental and physical disabilities through prescribed occupational therapy and functional skill-building. Collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to implement treatment plans and manage discharge planning for adolescents and young adults.
We are seeking an Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) to join our inpatient mental health team at the Brattleboro Retreat.
The Brattleboro Retreat is located in Southern Vermont, near the borders of Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
This role offers the opportunity to support a range of age groups in their mental health recovery through a developmental and functional lens, helping individuals build skills for daily life and engagement in their meaningful occupations.
This position provides opportunities to work across age groups, with a primary focus on adolescents and young adults.
You will work in a team-based model of care, collaborating with both the interdisciplinary treatment team and a dedicated team of occupational therapists.
This is a full-time position with major holidays off, ideal for clinicians who value teamwork, purpose-driven practice, and making an impact in mental health care.
Facilitates development and rehabilitation of patients with mental, emotional, and physical disabilities by planning and administering medically prescribed occupational therapy.
1. Proven ability to work cooperatively as a team member
2. Health Promotion and Maintenance, Creating a Safe, Effective Environment, Motivating Others, Medical
Teamwork, Mental Health, Pain Management, Listening, Analyzing Information , Quality Focus
1. Degree in Occupational Therapy from accredited program.
2. Licensed by the NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy).
3. Licensed in Vermont, or license-eligible
4. 3-5 years of experience in behavioral health or with specific age group; this position open to qualified
entry-level practitioners
Demonstrates service competency in the administration of standardized assessments.
Meets the patient's goals and needs and provides quality care by assessing and interpreting evaluation and assessment results; determining occupational therapy treatment plans in consultation with physicians or by prescription. Documents results according to Brattleboro Retreat policy.
Helps patient develop or regain physical or mental functioning by implementing programs involving manual arts and crafts, practice in functional, prevocational, vocational, and homemaking skills, activities of daily living, and sensorimotor, educational, recreational, movement/exercise, and social activities.
Promotes maximum independence by selecting and constructing therapies according to individual's physical capacity, intelligence level, and interest.
Obtains and utilizes patient’s occupational profile of baseline roles, habits, and routines.
Evaluates results of occupational therapy by observing, noting, and evaluating patient's progress; recommending and implementing adjustments and modifications on ongoing basis.
Completes discharge planning by consulting with physicians, nurses, social workers, and other health care workers; contributing to patient care in collaborative manner.
Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
Maintains patient confidence and protects hospital operations by keeping information confidential.
Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
Complies with federal, state, and local legal and certification requirements by studying existing and new legislation; anticipating future legislation; enforcing adherence to requirements; advising management on needed actions.
Utilizes an approach that encourages patients’ participation in the least restrictive environment.
Maintains accurate complete and correct records as required by law, Brattleboro Retreat Policy and administrative regulation.
Maintains and improves professional competence.
Assists with maintaining and organizing supply closets, unit activity spaces, and other storage areas.
Maintains ethical practice in accordance with AOTA standards.
Uses Evidence-Based Practice to inform clinical decisions.
Adheres to and applies concepts from the OT Practice Frameworks.
Demonstrates knowledge base relevant to population including relevant theories and approaches (CBT, ACT, DBT, IMR)
Educates and promotes understanding of OT Theory.
Complies with AOTA regulations regarding supervision of interns.
Supervises interns and provides consistent and appropriate feedback to students and volunteers.
day shift 40 hours weekly
Requires a degree in Occupational Therapy, NBCOT certification, and licensure in Vermont or eligibility for licensure. Candidates should ideally have 3-5 years of behavioral health experience, though the role is open to qualified entry-level practitioners.
Market context
Behavioral health roles in Vermont often reflect steady demand in community and residential settings, especially for candidates who can support individuals with intellectual disabilities. These positions can be competitive because employers value direct-service experience, a high school diploma or equivalent, and reliable transportation for field-based work. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm how your experience matches the role before applying.
