Occupational Therapy Fellow Full Time Days

About the role

The Occupational Therapy Fellow reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities

• Requires completion of a minimum of 1,400 total program hours including 200 educational hours, 1,300 patient-care clinic hours inclusive of 360 hours of 1:1 mentoring throughout the program.
• Participates/led a quality improvement or research initiative.
• Participates in AOTA forums or attends annual conference.
• Selects and administers appropriate occupational therapy evaluations.
• Develops and implements collaborative treatment plans.
• Provides patient, family and caregiver education.
• Participates with other team members in patient discharge planning through verbal and written communications.
• Provides clear, concise patient care documentation as per departmental standards.
• Supervises appropriate paraprofessionals and support personnel via monitoring the treatment plan administration and provides follow-up clinical direction and guidance.
• Administers occupational therapy evaluations and develops collaborative treatment plans with patients.
• Restores function and prevents further disability through ongoing assessment leading to appropriate therapeutic interventions.
• Provides direct patient care for an established 51% of hours worked.
• Performs appropriate occupational therapy evaluations and re-evaluations on a regular basis.
• Designs and implements appropriate treatment plans.
• Participates in patient discharge and home care planning to facilitate the continuity of patient care.
• Completes all related medical documentation in a timely and accurate manner and in accordance with established policies and standards.
• Assists in monitoring of quality management indicators.
• Demonstrates competency through the annual completion of the written and/or demonstration-style competency examinations.
• Delegates appropriate responsibilities to subordinates.
• Promotes philosophy and objectives of Northwestern Medicine and Stone Institute of Psychiatry and program.
• Presents minimum of 1 in-service per year in the program and/or Northwestern Medicine staff.
• Completes special projects as assigned by the Manager.
• Promotes and maintains professional working relationships with peers.
• Maintains/promotes open communication with interdisciplinary team.
• Participates in an ongoing mentorship program.
• Participates in interdisciplinary rounds and team meetings.
• Serves on assigned departmental committees.
• Attends/contributes to monthly departmental and discipline-specific service meetings.

Qualifications

• Occupational Therapy Certification, NBCOT.
• Occupational Therapy License, Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulations.
• Basic Life Support - American Heart Association.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy, if graduated prior to 2007. Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy on or after 2007.
• An essential function of this job is the ability to lift/carry weight of up to 50 pounds.
• An essential function of this job is the ability to push/pull with 50 pounds of force.

Application timeline

• Application cycle opens: October 1, 2025
• Applications due: April 15, 2026
• Anticipated start date: August 19, 2026
• Fellowship end date: August 6, 2027

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.