Occupational Therapy Assistant - Acute Care

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center:  Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

Acute Rehab PT/OT 3

Job Summary:

Provides services to patients who have impairments, developmental disabilities, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting from injury, disease or other causes under the direction of an Occupational Therapist. Actively collaborates with the health care/educational team to meet patient care, outcomes and system improvement objectives.

.

Location: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 
 

Schedule: Full-Time. Monday-Friday schedule and will work the equivalent of 1 weekend day per month 

Are you a compassionate and skilled Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) looking to make a meaningful impact in acute care? Join our collaborative rehab team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where your expertise will help patients of all diagnoses regain independence and improve their quality of life.  

How You’ll Make a Difference 

As an OTA in our acute care setting, you’ll work under the direction of licensed Occupational Therapists to deliver evidence-based interventions that support recovery and promote successful transitions to home, community, and vocational environments. You’ll be a vital part of a multidisciplinary team focused on patient-centered outcomes. 

What We’re Looking For 

• Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant  

• Acute care experience required

• Strong communication and documentation skills 

• Passion for patient education and rehabilitation 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver therapeutic interventions based on OT treatment plans 

• Educate patients and families to support recovery and independence 

• Document patient progress and collaborate with the care team 

• Contribute to discharge planning and transition strategies 

Technical Skills You’ll Use 

• Rehabilitation Patient Education: Communicate effectively with patients and families, adapting to their needs and understanding levels 

• Treatment Implementation: Apply evidence-based therapy techniques and modify plans as needed 

• Patient Documentation: Accurately record treatment outcomes and collaborate with the healthcare team 

Why Vanderbilt? 

• Work in a nationally recognized academic medical center 

• Day One Benefits – Medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits start on your first day 

• Be part of a supportive, interdisciplinary team 

• Access professional development and continuing education opportunities 

Ready to make a difference? 
Apply today and help us deliver exceptional care to patients in need. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Applies appropriate, evidence-based interventions to ensure effective outcomes based on the treatment plan of the primary clinician.

• Provides education and employs strategies to promote successful return to home, community, and school/vocational environments.

• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

• Rehabilitation Patient Education (Novice): Demonstrates proficiency in communicating functional impact of assessment findings, treatment interventions, treatment planning diagnosis, and disease process. Able to assist the therapist in planning for the discharge needs of the patient. Will adapt communication to needs/levels of understanding of audience and share appropriate information and literature. Participates in providing educational experiences and professional development activities. May supervise, educate and train students from professional programs of p