Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist 1 works as a New Grad - Entry Level therapist and is responsible for organizing, coordinating, and implementing Occupational Therapy services to patients as assigned by the Occupational Therapy supervisor. They plan, evaluate, and implement Occupational Therapy programs for patients. They have demonstrated sufficient judgment related to documentation and patient-related treatment issues.

Apply By Date: January 9, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload a license and/or certification if required for the position

• California Licensed Occupational Therapist (OT)
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR, or UC Davis Health CPR
• Basic knowledge and skills of occupational therapy theory and practices as identified by the Occupational Therapy Practice Act and licensure by the State of California
• Ability to communicate ideas and relate well with staff and patients to work as a team member
• Willingness to assist other staff members with their caseloads
• Basic competency in occupational therapy evaluation techniques, such as range of motion testing, muscle testing, cognitive/ perceptual testing, activities of daily living evaluation, sensory testing, and use of standardized testing of upper extremity function
• Basic competency in occupational therapy treatment modalities, including activities of daily living and transfer training, strengthening, coordination, balance, range of motion, perceptual/cognitive skills training, wheelchair prescription, fabrication of splints and adapted devices
• Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with patients and their families
• Ability to train family in follow-through for home therapy programs; home visiting as necessary
• Ability to communicate clearly on a professional basis with physicians and work cooperatively with a variety of health care professionals
• Basic knowledge of requirements in processing for third-party payors
• Ability to clearly write progress notes, discharge plans, and other written reports as requested
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate the scheduling of patients in assigned areas of responsibility
• Ability to organize time
• Ability to be flexible and cooperative
• Ability to verbally communicate pertinent information and basic knowledge of the profession for training and educating other hospital service personnel
• Ability to organize training material
• Skill in organizing written material
• Knowledge of appropriate information required for patient and supply record keeping
• Ability to perform fundamental computer tasks
• Skills to manage computer files, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - As an entry-level therapist, provides Occupational Therapy services to patients of all ages in a variety of clinical settings
• 5% - Educational Activities
• 5% - Miscellaneous assignments as required

Department Overview

The primary purpose of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is to provide a range of rehabilitation services designed to restore patients to their optimal functional capacity.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $48.97- $67.24
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 114
• UC Job Title: OCCUPATIONAL THER 1 NEX
• UC Job Code: 007929
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Full-time
• Shift (Work Schedule): Day shift (08 hours)
• Location: Main Hospital, Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources, and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial, and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations, and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html.

• High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits, including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program, including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis-owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Must be able work weekends and holidays as determined by the department.
• Ability to work occasional overtime.
• Must be able to work in the Acute Care and Inpatient Rehabilitation settings, or any other UCDH site as needed.
• Must possess sufficient mobility to traverse the distances required to serve patients throughout the institution.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position.

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation, clearance, and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan, and our strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere #CA-ZM

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks