Occupational Therapy Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s fast-paced healthcare sector, the role of an Occupational Therapy Manager is more crucial than ever.

As healthcare evolves, the demand for skilled leaders who can direct, innovate, and safeguard our occupational therapy services grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Occupational Therapy Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply curious about the complexities of occupational therapy management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Occupational Therapy Manager job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Occupational Therapy Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Therapy Managers oversee the daily operations and administration of occupational therapy services.

They work with a team of occupational therapists to ensure clients receive the highest quality of care.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Managing and overseeing the operations of the occupational therapy department
• Establishing and implementing policies and procedures for occupational therapy services
• Coordinating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients
• Supervising, mentoring, and evaluating occupational therapists and support staff
• Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Developing and implementing quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care
• Managing the department’s budget and ensuring adequate resources are available for therapists
• Providing professional development opportunities for staff
• Conducting regular meetings with staff to discuss patient cases, therapy plans, and progress
• Participating in the recruitment, hiring, and training of new therapists

 

Occupational Therapy Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Occupational Therapy Manager to oversee our occupational therapy department.

This position involves managing and supervising a team of occupational therapists, ensuring adherence to professional standards and regulations, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals for comprehensive patient care.

The ideal candidate has proven leadership skills, a deep understanding of occupational therapy, and the ability to effectively manage resources and personnel to provide the highest level of care to our patients.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the occupational therapy department
• Supervise and mentor occupational therapists and support staff
• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve the delivery of care
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Coordinate with other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive patient care plans
• Manage departmental budget and resources
• Review and evaluate staff performance
• Conduct regular staff meetings and training sessions
• Stay updated with latest developments in occupational therapy practices

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy
• Current license to practice as an occupational therapist
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in occupational therapy, with at least 2 years in a managerial role
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to occupational therapy
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Therapy Manager
• Work Environment: This position requires working in a healthcare facility. Some weekend and holiday work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Rehabilitation Services or similar.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Occupational Therapy Manager Do?

An Occupational Therapy Manager typically oversees a team of occupational therapists in a healthcare or rehabilitation setting.

They also ensure that the department runs smoothly and efficiently.

They play a crucial role in developing and implementing occupational therapy programs for patients.

This may include assessing individual patient needs, creating personalized treatment plans, and overseeing the execution of these plans by occupational therapists.

Occupational Therapy Managers are also responsible for training and mentoring new therapists, ensuring they are up-to-date on the latest therapy techniques and developments.

In addition, they manage administrative tasks such as budgeting, purchasing equipment, and maintaining records.

They may also be involved in staff recruitment and performance evaluations.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and nurses, to coordinate patient care and ensure optimal results.

They also communicate with patients and their families to educate them about the therapy process and progress.

Their primary goal is to ensure the highest level of patient care, safety, and satisfaction in the occupational therapy department.

 

Occupational Therapy Manager Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Therapy Manager should possess a variety of managerial skills, clinical expertise, and interpersonal skills to ensure the efficient operation of the therapy services, including:

• Strong leadership skills to lead and manage a team of therapists, support staff, and volunteers.
• Deep understanding of occupational therapy practices, procedures, and principles to guide service delivery and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with other healthcare professionals, patients, and their families, and to address any concerns or issues that arise.
• Strategic planning and organization skills to develop and implement operational plans, budget management, and resource allocation.
• Problem-solving skills to address any challenges or problems that may arise in the delivery of therapy services.
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the performance of the therapy team to ensure the provision of high-quality patient care.
• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations related to occupational therapy, and the ability to ensure compliance within the department.

 

Occupational Therapy Manager Experience Requirements

Candidates for an Occupational Therapy Manager role typically need a minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in the field of occupational therapy.

This experience should ideally include both clinical practice and management roles.

Entry-level occupational therapists usually gain their initial experience through internships or clinical rotations that are part of their educational program.

They then proceed to full-time roles where they continue to build their skills and knowledge in various therapeutic techniques and patient management.

Mid-level occupational therapists, having gained about 2 to 4 years of clinical experience, often take on additional responsibilities such as supervising junior therapists, leading special projects, or coordinating with other healthcare professionals.

This experience helps them develop the leadership and management skills necessary for a managerial role.

Occupational therapists with over 5 years of experience, or those who have completed a master’s or doctoral program, may have the required expertise and skills to become an Occupational Therapy Manager.

These individuals often have a background in administrative tasks, team coordination, strategic planning, and budget management, in addition to their clinical experience.

Continuing education in healthcare management, business administration, or leadership can further enhance an occupational therapist’s readiness for a managerial role.

Some roles may also require a specific certification such as the Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) or Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) credentials.

 

Occupational Therapy Manager Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Therapy Managers typically have a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy or a related field.

However, many employers prefer individuals who have a master’s degree or a post-baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy.

They must also have a license, which involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

This is a requirement for practicing occupational therapy in all states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

In addition to these educational requirements, Occupational Therapy Managers must have several years of experience working as a licensed occupational therapist.

This allows them to gain the necessary hands-on clinical skills.

As an Occupational Therapy Manager, they also need to possess managerial and leadership skills.

These can be acquired through experience or through additional coursework or training in healthcare management or administration.

Continuing education is important in this role, as it helps keep skills current and stay informed about the latest trends and practices in occupational therapy.

Professionals may choose to earn specialist certifications in areas such as pediatrics, mental health, or physical rehabilitation to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field.

Lastly, all Occupational Therapy Managers must have a current CPR or Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, as they may need to respond to medical emergencies while providing therapy.

 

Occupational Therapy Manager Salary Expectations

An Occupational Therapy Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $92,045 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can differ based on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, the size and type of the employing organization, and the geographical location.

 

Occupational Therapy Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Therapy Manager need?

Occupational Therapy Managers need to have solid leadership skills to effectively manage their team.

They should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.

Good problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and a keen eye for detail are also important.

A deep understanding of occupational therapy principles and practices, along with the ability to adapt these to meet individual patient needs, is crucial.

 

Do Occupational Therapy Managers need a degree?

Yes, Occupational Therapy Managers typically need to hold at least a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

They must also be licensed occupational therapists.

Prior experience as an occupational therapist is often required, and some employers prefer candidates with management or supervisory experience.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Therapy Manager resume?

The resume of an Occupational Therapy Manager should reflect substantial experience in occupational therapy.

Look for a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a current license to practice.

They should have proven leadership skills, and experience managing a team is a plus.

Also, check for evidence of their commitment to ongoing education and professional development in the field.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Therapy Manager?

A good Occupational Therapy Manager is patient, empathetic, and has excellent communication skills.

They should be proficient in decision-making, strategic planning, and leadership.

Good Occupational Therapy Managers should also be dedicated to promoting the highest standards of practice and patient care.

 

How challenging is it to hire Occupational Therapy Managers?

Hiring Occupational Therapy Managers can be challenging, as the role requires a unique blend of clinical expertise and managerial skills.

Employers often look for candidates with a strong background in occupational therapy, combined with leadership experience and a track record of effectively managing teams.

Given the specialized nature of this role, it may take time to find the right candidate.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve revealed the inner workings of being an Occupational Therapy Manager.

And you know what?

It’s not just about managing therapy sessions.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

With our easy-to-use Occupational Therapy Manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why end your journey here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step for creating accurate job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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