The Occupational Therapist evaluates and administers treatment programs for patients in an acute care setting to address physical, cognitive, or psycho-social dysfunctions. Responsibilities include implementing progressive treatment plans, fitting assistive devices, and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams for discharge planning.
Requirements summary
A Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy and a valid license in Pennsylvania or New Jersey are required. Candidates must also hold a current CPR certification and demonstrate competency in treating patients across various age groups.
bachelor degreepostgraduate degreeCase ManagementWound CarePatient PositioningPatient DocumentationDischarge PlanningTherapeutic ExercisesOrthotic Device FittingOccupational Therapy ExaminationAcute Care RehabilitationADL/IADL Training
Job description
St.
Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees.
The employees of St.
Luke's are our most valuable asset!
Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.
The Occupational Therapist evaluates plans and administers occupational therapy treatment programs for referred patients, in the acute care setting.
Occupational Therapist shall provide rehabilitation services to patients/clients, upon physician consult or referral, who have sustained occupational impairments, limitations and disabilities, as a result of physical, cognitive or psycho-social dysfunction.
Occupational therapists also provide interventions which emphasize emotional wellness, health promotion, client safety and facilitate client re-engagement of ADL/IADL skills.
The Occupational Therapist shall work within the practice guidelines as defined by Pennsylvania or New Jersey state law (based upon work location).
Patients encountered by the Acute Care Physical Therapist may include those with a diagnosis and/or impairments related to pediatric (2 months – 12 years), adolescent (13-17 years), adult (18-65 years) medical conditions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Performs occupational therapy examination in a technically competent manner that minimizes risk to the patient, self and others by selecting reliable and valid examination methods that are relevant to the chief complaint and history of the patient.
Establishes realistic, attainable short-term and long-term goals with each patient.
Performs therapeutic exercises effectively and appropriately.
Implements, and revises as necessary, effective progressive treatment programs taking evaluative findings into consideration.
Administers therapeutic modalities and programs appropriately and effectively, including hot/cold pack, ultrasound, massage, electrical stimulation, whirlpool and wound care.
Fits assistive, prosthetic and orthotic devices and provides appropriate training.
Performs appropriate discharge planning, instructs patients and family member(s) in home programs.
Documents accurately, in a timely manner, including initial evaluation, progress notes and discharge summaries.
Adheres to the Standards of Practice and institutional policy and procedures that govern the conduct of professional activities and are consistent with the American Occupational Therapy Associations’ (AOTA) positions, standards, guidelines, policies, procedures, and Code of Ethics.
Integrates AOTA documents, legislation, legal, and regulatory issues into practice.
Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment and knowledge of growth and development appropriate to the age of the patient treated (neonate, pediatric, adolescent or geriatric)..
Attends Case Management/Interdisciplinary rounds and provides timely communication of information to other members of the multidisciplinary team Attends multi-disciplinary meetings.
Accurately bills patient’s accounts for services rendered.
Other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Ability to sit for extended periods and stand and/or ambulate intermittently throughout the workday.
Ability to frequently bend, stoop, squat, crouch, kneel, and reach, including occasional overhead reaching, consistent with inpatient patient care activities.
Ability to use hands and fingers for fine motor tasks, including operation of medical equipment, patient care devices, and electronic documentation systems.
Ability to assist with patient positioning, transfers, and mobility using approved safe patient handling and mobility equipment and team‑based techniques in accordance with organizational policy.
Ability to push and pull equipment and patient support devices, utilizing mechanical assistance when indicated.
Manual patient lifting is minimized and avoided whenever possible; patient handling is performed using mechanical aids or team assistance, except in unanticipated or emergency situations requiring immediate action.
Ability to perceive tactile cues necessary for safe patient care.
Ability to hear and see adequately to communicate, respond to alarms or call bells, and safely navigate the clinical environment.
WORK SCHEDULE: Please see St.
Luke’s University Health Network guidelines/policy for per diem staff (#285).
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS EDUCATION/LICENSURE: Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy required.
Master’s Degree preferred.
Occupational Therapist License in the State of New Jersey or Pennsylvania, based on work location CPR Certification required.
TRINING AND EXPERIENCE: Successful completion of required affiliations and/or CEU’s to maintain licensure.
Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address.
Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.
Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable.
It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application.
Thank you for your interest in St.
Luke's!!
St.
Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Founded in 1872, St.
Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) is a fully integrated, regional, non-profit network of more than 23,000 employees providing services at 16 campuses and 350+ outpatient sites.
With annual net revenue in excess of $4 billion, the Network’s service area includes 11 counties in two states: Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Montgomery, Monroe, Schuylkill and Luzerne counties in Pennsylvania and Warren and Hunterdon counties in New Jersey.
St.
Luke’s hospitals operate the largest network of trauma centers in Pennsylvania, with the Bethlehem Campus being home to St.
Luke’s Children’s Hospital.
SLUHN is the only Lehigh Valley-based health care system to earn Medicare’s five-star ratings (the highest) for quality, efficiency and patient satisfaction.
It is both a Leapfrog Group and Healthgrades Top Hospital and a Newsweek World’s Best Hospital.
The Network’s flagship University Hospital has earned the 100 Top Major Teaching Hospital designation from Premier 13 times total and eleven years in a row, including in 2023 when it was identified as THE #4 TEACHING HOSPITAL IN THE COUNTRY.
In 2021, St.
Luke’s was identified as one of the 15 Top Health Systems nationally.
St.
Luke’s is the ONLY health care institution in the Lehigh Valley to be named a Top Workplace regionally repeating the exclusive honor for the third year in a row.
Also, for the third straight year, St.
Luke’s has been a Top Workplaces in the Philadelphia Region by the Philadelphia Inquirer, ranking 9th in the large employer category for 2025 and the only health care system in PA to receive this award.
In 2025, St.
Luke’s was recognized as a national Top Workplaces by USA Today, three years in a row, including the 3rd best health care system in the nation in 2023 and 2024.
Lastly, in 2025, St.
Luke’s was named a Top Workplace in New Jersey for the third year in a row.
