At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

The Traveler Therapist provides short-term clinical coverage across designated campuses to support patient care continuity during planned and unplanned staffing needs. This role is designed to increase access, reduce waitlists, support productivity, and provide flexible coverage for PTO, FMLA, holidays, growth positions, and unexpected absences.

Traveler Therapists remain primarily aligned to a home cost center but are expected to float to other campuses as assigned.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide high-quality patient care across multiple campuses as assigned
• Support coverage for:

o Long-term planned PTO (multiple weeks)
o FMLA
o Holiday coverage (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.)
o Illness or last-minute call-outs
o Growth positions and business expansion

• Assist in reducing waitlists and improving access to care
• Support productivity and patient care success metrics
• Communicate effectively with home and host managers
• Float first when campus coverage needs arise

Floating Expectations
• Travelers are first to float
• If no float need exists, the Traveler follows the normal Flex process. Traveler is NOT first to flex to census. They will align with the clinic's normal flex to census rotation.
• When no traveler need exists, the therapist works at their home cost center.

Benefits of the Role
• Variety in caseloads and clinical environments
• Professional growth and skill diversification
• Exposure to different teams, workflows, and patient populations
• Opportunity to support system-wide patient access and care continuity

Job Description

The TIRR Traveler will cover the central locations:

• IP (Inpatient)
• Kirby Glen
• West University
• Southeast
• Southwest

(Traveler assignments may vary by region and business need)

Travel stipend and mileage reimbursement is available

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelors or graduate degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited university-based Occupational therapy program

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current or temporary License to practice Occupational Therapy by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners

• Current certification in Basic Life Support

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• The position requires occasional or frequent lifting up to 75-100 pounds and carrying of up to 30 pounds; prolonged standing; frequent walking, stooping and squatting. Fine hand dexterity, eye-hand coordination, the ability to receive oral and written communication, and to communicate verbally and in writing are also necessary. The visual ability to monitor instruments, computers and equipment, recognize alphanumeric characters, distinguish colors and observe physical characteristics are essential to this position.

Principal Accountabilities

• Assumes responsibility in the care of the patient. Performs complete, comprehensive evaluation of patients. Accurately interprets evaluation findings. Completes a written plan of care, develops goals based on evaluation findings, and develops a comprehensive program to attain goals.

• Implements an occupational therapy treatment program and provides basic occupational therapy treatments. Demonstrates competency in performing basic occupational therapy skills. Supervises COTA’s and Rehab Technicians with regards to individual patient care treatments. Assesses patients periodically to monitor progress towards treatment goals, and alters goals, plan or program as indicated. Motivates and instructs patients/caregivers using appropriate methods.

• Communicates effectively with patients/caregivers and professional colleagues to include physicians and insurance companies. 

• Presents relevant special topics in professional literature at clinic meetings, grand rounds, conferences, university settings and meetings as delegated or requested by the faculty.

• Manages time effectively. 

• Documents appropriately in the medical record and completes other documentation duties accurately and efficiently. 

• May serve as Clinical Instructor for OT or OTA interns.

• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.

• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.

• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.

• Other duties as assigned.