Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital — Southern Arizona's longest continually operating hospital, founded in 1880 — is recruiting an experienced Occupational Therapist III to join its clinical team in Tucson, AZ. This Level III role is designed for a seasoned OT who brings independent clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and advanced skills in upper extremity management and neurological rehabilitation to a facility recognized regionally for cardiac, vascular, stroke, and surgical care. A sign-on bonus of up to $10,000 underscores the hospital's commitment to attracting top-tier therapy talent.
Perks and Benefits
- Sign-on bonus of up to $10,000 (based on eligibility)
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Generous paid time off
- Health savings accounts (HSA); healthcare and dependent flexible spending accounts (FSA)
- Continuing education and career development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program and employee discount program
- Voluntary benefits: pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long-term care, elder and childcare support, auto and home insurance
Practice Highlights
- Level III OT role emphasizing independent clinical decision-making guided by experience, evidence-based practice, and departmental standards
- Full-spectrum OT assessment and treatment: upper extremity management including sensation, strength and tone, range of motion, coordination, and edema control; ADLs, cognition, visual perception, functional mobility, and vocational/avocational rehabilitation
- Therapeutic modalities in active use: iontophoresis, ultrasound, fluidotherapy, contrast bath, paraffin, ice massage, hot/cold packs, electrical stimulation, and compression therapy
- Advanced clinical skills expected: neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) and sensory integration techniques
- Equipment proficiency required: pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitoring, exercise equipment, adaptive equipment, and wheelchair assessment
- Inpatient acuity context: working knowledge of lab values, diagnostic tests, medications, FIM scale, and PAI scoring applied to patient care planning
- Precaution management across weight-bearing, cardiac, contact isolation, spinal, and total joint replacement protocols
- Collaborative interdisciplinary model — consults with physicians, nursing, and the broader care team; reports to department Supervisor/Manager/Director for ongoing plan review
- Destination hospital for minimally invasive heart and vascular surgery (Carondelet Heart & Vascular Institute), advanced stroke care, emergency care, wound care, and bariatric surgery — providing a high-acuity, diverse patient population for OT practice
- Patient and family education integral to the role: home programs, body mechanics instruction, and caregiver training
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy program required; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum of 3 years of experience as a licensed Occupational Therapist in a clinical OT setting
- Valid, current licensure with the Arizona State Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners required
- Current BLS certification required
- Demonstrated advanced skills in NDT and sensory integration
- Proficiency in FIM scale and PAI scoring; working knowledge of inpatient lab values, medications, and diagnostic tests as they relate to OT care planning
About the Community
Tucson sits in the Sonoran Desert at roughly 2,400 feet elevation, offering more than 350 days of sunshine annually, a low cost of living relative to other major Arizona metros, and immediate access to world-class outdoor recreation — hiking in Saguaro National Park, cycling, rock climbing, and skiing at Mount Lemmon are all within reach. The city is home to the University of Arizona, a vibrant arts and food scene, and a culturally rich community shaped by its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border. Phoenix is approximately 115 miles north, providing easy access to a major metropolitan hub while Tucson itself maintains the character and affordability of a mid-sized university city.