Occupational Therapist 1

The Occupational Therapist 1 (OT1) provides occupational therapy services to patients under the guidance of the Occupational Therapy Supervisor. This entry-level position is responsible for evaluating patients, developing individualized treatment plans, and implementing therapeutic interventions to improve functional abilities, promote independence, and support patients in achieving their rehabilitation goals.

Working collaboratively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team, the Occupational Therapist 1 assesses patient needs, monitors progress, adjusts treatment approaches as appropriate, and provides patient and family education to support continuity of care. The position applies foundational clinical knowledge, sound professional judgment, and evidence-based practices while maintaining accurate documentation and adhering to established clinical standards.

This role offers an opportunity for a new graduate or early-career occupational therapist to develop clinical skills, gain experience with diverse patient needs, and contribute to high-quality, patient-centered rehabilitation services at UC Davis Health.

Apply By Date: November 16, 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), or UC Davis Health CPR
• Minimum education satisfied through attainment of the required licensure/certification
• 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
• 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, 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 verbally communicate pertinent information and basic knowledge of the profession for training and educating other hospital service personnel
• Willingness to assist other staff members with their caseloads
• 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 scheduling of patients in assigned areas of responsibility
• Ability to organize time
• Ability to be flexible and cooperative
• 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% - 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 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) at UC Davis Health provides comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to help patients restore functional abilities, maximize independence, and improve their overall quality of life. Through individualized treatment plans and a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach, the department supports patients recovering from injuries, illnesses, and conditions that affect their mobility and daily functioning.

The department brings together rehabilitation professionals who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care and help patients achieve their highest possible level of functional independence.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $52.45 - $72.01
• 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): Variable (08 Hours day shifts)
• 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 by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employees' lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

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 to work weekends and holidays as determined by the department.
• Ability to work occasional overtime.
• Must be able to work in the Acute Care, or any other UC Davis Health 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 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 #LI-SM3

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