Occupational Therapist
Posted Aug 27, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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
This outpatient role includes a lot of pediatric patients. Tell me about your experience working with children.
What they are checking: Whether they have real comfort with kids, since the posting leans heavily on pediatric work.
If you're a new graduate, how would you use the mentorship offered here?
What they are checking: Whether they will seek feedback and grow, since new grads are supported but must be coachable.
Tell me about a patient who wasn't progressing. How did you decide what to change?
What they are checking: Whether they review the plan honestly and seek consultation when stuck.
Why do you want to work in outpatient with a four-ten or five-eight schedule and no on-call?
What they are checking: Whether they understand the steady outpatient pace and are a good fit to stay.
What would you do
A child refuses to participate in therapy and is melting down. What do you do?
What they are checking: Whether they can adapt in the moment, using play and regulation, instead of forcing the plan.
You also see adults in outpatient. How do you switch from a toddler session to an adult hand therapy patient?
What they are checking: Whether they can shift approach, language and goals quickly across very different patients.
A parent is frustrated that their child isn't improving faster. How do you respond?
What they are checking: Whether they set honest expectations and keep the parent as a partner rather than defending themselves.
About the work
Walk me through your evaluation of a five-year-old referred for trouble with handwriting and dressing.
What they are checking: Whether they look at fine motor, sensory, visual and attention factors rather than just the task itself.
How do you set goals that matter to a family, not just to the chart?
What they are checking: Whether they center goals on daily life and involve parents so progress shows up at home.
How do you teach a home program to a busy parent so it actually gets done?
What they are checking: Whether they keep home programs simple and realistic, since carryover drives results.
How do you document progress in a way that supports continued therapy with insurance?
What they are checking: Whether they write measurable, skilled notes that justify care and show change over time.
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by SSM Health.