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Occupational Therapist - Inpatient - Days

Mercyhealth · Rockford, IL · $36.56–$54.85 an hour · Part time

Posted Sep 23, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you worked with nursing or PT to help a patient get ready for discharge.

What they are checking: Whether they collaborate across disciplines to get the patient home safely.

You'll be helping orient new partners. Tell me about how you've trained someone.

What they are checking: Whether they can teach and mentor, since the posting includes orientation duties.

What would you do

A patient refuses therapy today because they're tired. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they find a way to motivate or adjust therapy while respecting the patient's choice.

How do you prioritize your patients when you can't see everyone today?

What they are checking: Whether they put discharges and high-need patients first and communicate who wasn't seen.

A patient's vitals change during therapy. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they know when to stop and alert nursing, keeping safety first.

This role is 24 hours a week across Lake Geneva and Rockford. How would you keep up with patients you see only part of the week?

What they are checking: Whether they communicate well with other therapists to keep care consistent.

About the work

Walk me through how you evaluate a patient after a stroke in the hospital.

What they are checking: Whether they assess self-care, cognition and safety to plan therapy and discharge.

How do you decide whether a patient can go home safely or needs rehab or a facility?

What they are checking: Whether their discharge recommendations are based on function and home situation, not just diagnosis.

How do you keep your documentation and billing accurate on a busy inpatient caseload?

What they are checking: Whether they document thoroughly and on time, as the posting requires.

What adaptive equipment do you commonly recommend, and how do you train patients to use it?

What they are checking: Whether they choose practical equipment and teach patients and families clearly.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW: The Occupational Therapist is responsible for the evaluation, planning and implementation of a treatment plan addressing the functional needs of a variety of patient diagnoses. SCHEDULE: 24-hours per week SHIFT: Days ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Integrates subjective and objective data to establish a treatment plan. • Utilizes exercise, physical agents, and manual techniques to address deficits. • Maintains a thorough record of services provided with appropriate coding and billing. • Communicates with other disciplines and referring providers to enhance outcomes. • Performs thorough and timely electronic documentation • Strengths in care delivery as evidenced by peer review feedback; consistently demonstrates advanced evaluation and treatment techniques • Participates actively in the PI and CQI process • Assists in the orientation, training and mentoring of new partners • Participates in cost saving initiatives within the department • Takes an active role in the performance improvement process • Maintain a high standard of patient care and provide effective communication between occupational therapists, assistants and the physician group • Plans and conducts lectures and training programs on occupational therapy and related topics for medical staff, students and community groups. EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Graduate of an accredited school of Occupational Therapy CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE • Licensed as an occupational therapist in WI, IL or both if required • CPR/BLS required within 90 days of hire • NBCOT upon initial licensure only, as required ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Passing the Driver’s License Check and/or Credit Check (for those positions requiring). For departments as required- For those driving Mercyhealth vehicles: Maintain a valid driver's license. Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy. For those driving their personal vehicles: Maintain a valid driver's license and reliable transportation with proof of vehicle insurance when requested. Have and maintain an acceptable driving record per Mercyhealth's HR.100 Fleet and Driver Safety policy. Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and/or IL Health Care Workers Background Check. Must be able to follow written/oral instructions. Passing the WI Caregiver Background Check and/or IL Health Care Workers Background Check. Must be able to follow written/oral instructions. INFORMATION ACCESS Partner may access patient care information needed to perform their job duties. WORK CONTACT GROUP Partners, physicians, patients/family, visitors, vendors SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations. Stand – Frequently or condition exists up to 1/3 - 2/3 of the time Walk – Frequently or condition exists up to 1/3 - 2/3 of the time Sit – Occasionally or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time Handling/Fingering/Feeling – Frequently or condition exists up to 1/3 - 2/3 of the time Reaching – Frequently or condition exists up to 1/3 - 2/3 of the time Climb/Balance – Occasionally or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time Stoop/Kneel/Crouch/Crawl – Occasionally or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time Talk/Hear – Frequently or condition exists up to 1/3 - 2/3 of the time Taste/Smell – Not a present activity Strength – Medium work exerting 25-50 pounds of force occasionally or 10-25 pounds of force frequently Close Vision – Frequently or condition exists up to 1/3 - 2/3 of the time Distance Vision – Occasionally or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time Color Vision – Occasionally or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time Peripheral Vision – Occasionally or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time Depth Perception – Frequently or condition exists up to 1/3 - 2/3 of the time Ability to Adjust Focus – Frequently or condition exists up to 1/3 - 2/3 of the time LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Some independent judgement is required, based upon scope of practice and within professional standards. PAY RANGE: $36.56 - $54.85 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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