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Occupational Therapist New Grads Welcome $10,000 Sign On Bonus

i4 Search Group

Bakersfield, CA · Posted November 9, 2026

No experience needed. The posting says: “Occupational Therapist New Grads Welcome $10,000 Sign On Bonus”

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AI use among occupational therapists is little observed so far. Measured exposure for occupational therapists: 1% (little observed).

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About the job

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Job Summary:

Working in acute care, provides skilled evaluation and evidence-based treatment to patients experiencing physical, cognitive, or psychosocial impairments within the hospital setting. This role focuses on promoting independence in activities of daily living (ADLs) and optimizing patient participation in self-care and functional mobility following acute illness, injury, or surgery. The therapist collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, case managers, and other members of the interdisciplinary team to ensure timely, safe, and effective discharge planning. The Occupational Therapist maintains thorough and timely documentation, contributes to quality and safety initiatives, and supports organizational compliance with hospital policy, state licensure, and accreditation standards.

Compensation

$55-85/hr

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Clinical Care

Perform comprehensive occupational therapy evaluations, establish individualized plan of care, and ensure delivery of interventions is consistent with AOTA guidelines, state practice act, and organizational standards.

Apply evidence-based practice and sound clinical reasoning to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Maintain department productivity standards.

Provide patient and caregiver training on safe transfer techniques, ADL performance, and home environment modifications to support safe discharge.

Document all evaluations, treatments, and patient communications accurately and within required timeframes to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory documentation standards.

Professional Development

Support orientation and mentorship of new staff and students in acute care practices and professional competencies.

Complete CEU requirements in compliance with your state Board of Occupational Therapy.

Participate in professional development activities, staff education sessions, and departmental in-services.

Program Development & Quality

Contribute to quality and safety initiatives that improve early mobility, reduce hospital length of stay, and decrease readmission risk.

Maintain compliance with organizational and regulatory standards for acute care rehabilitation.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Coordinate patient care and discharge planning with physicians, nurses, case management, and other disciplines.

Communicate clearly and professionally regarding patient status, goals, and therapy progress to ensure seamless care transitions.

Job Requirements:

Education:

Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program (ACOTE-accredited or equivalent).

New graduates are welcome to apply. Previous rehabilitation experience is preferred but not required.

Licensure:

Current Occupational Therapist license in the State of California, or obtained prior to start of employment.

Certification:

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) or equivalent.

Extras:

$10,000 Sign On Bonus

Continuing education support

$2500 per year continuing education reimbursement

Student loan repayment program, we pay up to $250 per month toward whoever carries their student loan

Research portal

Additional pay for board certifications

Career ladder for professional growth and pay increases

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