Occupational Therapist in Boone, North Carolina at Appalachian Regional Healthcare System

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Location: Boone, North Carolina | PRN | Shifts Vary

Why You'll Love Working Here

As an Occupational Therapist at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll help patients with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities find ways to succeed in everyday life — using critical thinking, best practice, and a holistic approach to build real independence. You'll be part of a mission-driven health system committed to patient safety, quality outcomes, teamwork, and professional growth.

Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, Boone offers the perfect blend of community, culture, and outdoor adventure.

• Compensation: Starting at $36.64 per hour, based on education and experience.
• Benefits: As a PRN position, this role is not eligible for employee benefits.

What You'll Do as an Occupational Therapist

• Use critical thinking, problem-solving, and best practice to help patients participate in activities of daily life.
• Support patients with physical, developmental, and cognitive disabilities in achieving everyday independence.
• Modify the patient's environment and provide and educate patients and families on the use of adaptive equipment.
• Handle interactions with patients and families in an ethical manner, practicing compassion and respect for each person's dignity and worth.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, visitors, colleagues, physicians, leadership, and volunteers.
• Respond quickly and accurately to emergencies and changes in patient condition.
• Support top-tier outcomes for patient experience, quality, and safety.
• Adhere to UNC Health Appalachian policies, regulatory requirements, and standards of behavior, practicing within the scope of your license.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree (minimum) from an accredited university in Occupational Therapy.
• Experience:
  • Satisfactory completion of student affiliations before graduation.
  • One year of experience preferred.
• Licensure/Certifications:
  • Licensed or eligible for licensure as an Occupational Therapist in North Carolina.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association required at time of hire.
• Skills & Abilities:
  • Strong communication skills; ability to work within the chain of command using positive verbal and non-verbal techniques.
  • Competence in delivering safe, effective patient care within the legal limits of license, certifications, and hospital policy.
  • Knowledge of the continuum of care provided in the department.
  • Exceptional customer service for patients, families, staff, and physicians.

Physical & Work Environment

• Continuous standing and walking, often 8+ hours per shift; frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, twisting, turning, and reaching.
• Frequently mobilize patients and lift, carry, push, or pull 50+ lbs.
• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition; near visual acuity and close eye work; speaking, reading, and writing for extended periods.
• Regular exposure to bloodborne pathogens and hazards from electrical/mechanical equipment; possible exposure to vibration and cramped spaces.
• Occasional exposure to ionizing/nonionizing radiation (x-ray, microwave); handles emergency or crisis situations.
• Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays).

What Sets Us Apart

• Career Growth: Structured advancement pathways and ongoing development through our Career Pathways Program.
• Impactful Work: As an Occupational Therapist, you'll help patients regain independence and confidence in daily life, delivering care across our three community hospitals and outpatient rehabilitation services, including The Rehabilitation Center.
• Community & Lifestyle: Boone ranks among the best small towns in America, offering outdoor recreation, arts, culture, and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels valued and supported.

Ready to help patients rebuild independence in everyday life? Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian and make a lasting impact on our community.

About UNC Health Appalachian
It's official - UNC Health Appalachian earned an "A" in the fall 2023 Leapfrog Patient Safety Grades! UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.”

About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact arhsrecruitment@unchealth.unc.edu.