DSHS WSH Occupational Therapist 1

고용형태: Full Time - Permanent

SeattleKR Job Analysis

DSHS WSH Occupational Therapist 1

Key Skills and Qualifications

Technical Skills

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to discuss treatment goals

Evaluate and treat patients with mental/behavioral health diagnoses

Apply OT evidence-based practices for patient treatment

Conduct cognitive OT assessments

Document clinical data in written and oral formats

Update treatment plans and maintain service records

Supervise occupational therapy assistants

Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives

Soft Skills

Ability to handle stressful and challenging situations

Strong documentation and reporting skills

Ability to educate patients and adapt treatments to individual needs

Effective communication and teamwork with healthcare professionals

Empathy and rapport-building with patients

Problem-solving and adaptability in treatment planning

Qualifications

Completed accredited occupational therapy program

Passing score on NBCOT examination

Licensed to practice OT in Washington State

Recent graduate (encouraged to apply)

Background check clearance

Physical Requirements

No specific physical requirements mentioned in the job description.

Sample Interview Questions and Answers

Question 1: Describe a time when you collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to develop and adjust a treatment plan for a patient with complex mental health needs. How did you ensure alignment with the patient's goals and progress?

In my previous role at a community mental health clinic, I worked with psychiatrists, social workers, and nurses to create a treatment plan for a patient with bipolar disorder and co-occurring substance use. I initiated a team meeting to discuss the patient's goals, which included improving daily functioning and reducing substance use. I used standardized assessments to track progress weekly and adjusted the plan based on feedback from the team and the patient's self-reported outcomes. For example, when the patient struggled with adherence to medication, I collaborated with the psychiatrist to explore alternative medications and with the social worker to address housing instability. This approach ensured the plan remained dynamic and patient-centered, leading to improved engagement and outcomes.

Question 2: Explain how you would apply evidence-based occupational therapy practices to design a cognitive assessment and intervention for a patient with schizophrenia. What specific tools or strategies would you use?

For a patient with schizophrenia, I would start by conducting a comprehensive cognitive assessment using tools like the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia (BACS) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to identify deficits in attention, memory, and executive functioning. Based on the results, I would design interventions targeting these areas using evidence-based strategies such as cognitive remediation therapy (CRT), which involves structured exercises to improve cognitive skills. I would also incorporate real-world functional training, such as using task lists or digital apps to practice organizational skills. Additionally, I would collaborate with the patient to set achievable goals, like improving medication adherence or managing daily routines, and monitor progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions. This approach aligns with OT guidelines and ensures interventions are both clinically effective and meaningful to the patient.

Question 3: How do you ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient progress, treatment plans, and clinical data in a fast-paced healthcare environment? Provide an example from your experience.

I prioritize documentation by integrating it into my workflow using electronic health records (EHR) systems. After each session, I immediately update notes to capture key observations, progress, and any changes in the patient's condition. For example, while working in an inpatient psychiatric unit, I used a structured template in the EHR to document treatment goals, interventions, and outcomes during shift changes. This ensured consistency and allowed other team members to access up-to-date information. I also scheduled 15-minute blocks in my calendar specifically for documentation to avoid delays. When a patient's condition changed rapidly, I used a voice-to-text feature to draft notes quickly and then reviewed them later for accuracy. This method maintained compliance with documentation policies while allowing me to focus on patient care without compromising quality or timeliness.

Original Job Description

Description

We have exciting opportunities for entry-level mental and behavioral health occupational therapists (OTs) to join our team at Western State Hospital. This is an ideal opportunity for OTs to expand their experience in providing occupational therapy and active treatment services to a population of patients with complex needs. You'll thrive and work to create new approaches for treatment.

Full-time opportunities are available. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs. Opportunities performed on-site at this work location are eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Some of what you'll do

Collaborates with patients and an interdisciplinary team to discuss treatment goals and implementation, monitors change and progress.
Evaluates and treats patients with a variety of mental and behavioral health diagnoses to achieve maximum function.
Assesses and provides treatment using OT evidence-based practice to patients in groups and/or 1:1s as needed.
Completes cognitive OT assessments as needed.
Reports clinical data in both written and oral form following policies and procedures.
Updates treatment plans in a timely manner.
Maintains service-related records; adheres to documentation expectations.
Supervises occupational therapy assistant(s).
Contributes to continuous quality improvement.
Performs related duties as required.

What we're looking for

Desire to work with patients who have mental and behavioral health diagnoses.
Ability to handle stressful and sometimes challenging situations.
Skill in documentation.
Ability to comprehend, educate others, and grade treatments according to a patient's strengths and challenges.
Knowledge of various treatment types and modalities using OT evidence-based practice.

Who should apply?
Professionals who have completed an accredited occupational therapy program and who successfully completed the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination and are licensed to practice OT in Washington State. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply.

Click here to learn more about who we are, Western State Hospital, and how our staff makes a difference.

Enjoy a variety of perks and look forward to each day on the job

Uniquely, we're not for profit and not driven by production, allowing our OTs the ability to focus on developing treatment approaches that emphasize patient care.
Clinical autonomy and encouragement from leadership inspire our OTs to be creative and innovative in developing treatment and intervention strategies.
Experience a variety of therapeutic areas where you can excel including cognitive evaluations and psychosocial group and individual treatment.
Team collaboration among OT practitioners (OTPs) and a variety of healthcare professionals supports an environment of continuous growth and professional development.
Rapport and treatment built by our OTPs for patients that are impactful and meaningful.
You'll quickly appreciate the sense of community and the interaction with staff and patients.
Retirement and benefits are ideal—start a long-term career that supports a healthy work-life balance.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Questions? Please get in touch with Chris.Pulley@dshs.wa.gov or by phone at (360)916-1856 and reference #03832.

Supplemental Information

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

접수기간/방법

7일 09:30:37

시작일 12/1/2025 (월)

마감일 12/28/2025 (일)

11:59 PM 마감

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