Restore Independence and Redefine Your Career as an Occupational Therapist in Des Moines, Iowa

Overview

Are you a dedicated Occupational Therapist who finds deep purpose in helping people reclaim the rhythms of their everyday lives? If you're searching for a role that challenges your clinical skills, nurtures your professional growth, and plants you in a city that genuinely feels like home — Des Moines, Iowa is calling your name.

We're actively recruiting a full-time, licensed OTR/L to join a passionate and purpose-driven rehabilitation team that believes great care starts with great culture. Whether you've been practicing for years or you're early in your occupational therapy journey, this opportunity was built for someone who leads with empathy and delivers with excellence.

Job Description

• Design Individualized Care Plans: Assess each patient's unique needs and craft personalized treatment strategies aimed at restoring function and maximizing independence
• Deliver Evidence-Based Interventions: Apply clinically proven techniques to address motor function, cognitive performance, and activities of daily living
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Partner with physical therapists, speech-language pathologists, physicians, nurses, and social workers to deliver well-rounded, holistic care
• Educate and Empower: Equip patients and their families with the knowledge, tools, and techniques needed to sustain progress beyond the clinic walls
• Track Progress and Refine Treatment: Monitor patient outcomes consistently and adapt care plans to ensure each individual stays on the path toward their goals

Education

• Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
• Continuing education and post-graduate certifications are actively encouraged and supported

Certifications

• Current, active Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) licensure
• NBCOT (National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy) certification required

Skills

• Genuine passion for helping patients reach their highest potential for independence
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with patients, families, and care teams alike
• Creative problem-solving ability to tailor care approaches to a wide range of clinical needs
• Comfortable thriving both independently and as a contributing member of a collaborative team

Benefits

• Supportive, team-first culture with real opportunities for career advancement
• Full-time schedule with flexible shift options
• Clinical mentorship programs and ongoing professional development resources
• Access to modern facilities, industry-leading tools, and streamlined documentation systems
• Active participation in quality improvement initiatives and innovation projects

What You'll Be Doing

This role goes far beyond treating a diagnosis on a chart. Every day, you'll be helping real people rediscover the small moments that make life worth living — buttoning a shirt independently, cooking a meal, picking up a grandchild. From guiding post-stroke patients through meticulous fine motor exercises to supporting orthopedic recovery cases with adaptive techniques, you'll bring your full clinical toolkit to each session.

Shortcuts don't live here. Each patient comes with a story, and each session you lead is a turning point in their recovery. You'll work side by side with a tight-knit team of therapists, physicians, nurses, and case managers who are equally committed to building care plans that honor the whole person — not just the injury.

Why You'll Love the Team — and the City That Grounds You

There's a reason our rehab team has such strong retention — people stay because they feel seen, supported, and energized. Here, your clinical instincts are trusted, your ideas are welcomed at the table, and your wins are celebrated by a group of colleagues who genuinely root for one another.

And outside the clinic? Des Moines, Iowa has quietly become one of the Midwest's most exciting places to live — and those who discover it rarely want to leave. The city has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending a warm, neighborly spirit with the energy of a thriving urban center. Tree-lined streets give way to a dynamic downtown filled with acclaimed restaurants, independent coffee shops, and a arts scene that punches well above its weight.

Des Moines boasts one of the most impressive trail systems in the country, with over 800 miles of connected paths winding through parks, along rivers, and into charming neighborhoods perfect for cycling, running, or simply slowing down. The Des Moines Art Center draws visitors from across the region, and the world-renowned Iowa State Fair each summer is a cultural event unlike anything else — a joyful, spirited celebration of community that locals look forward to all year long.

The cost of living here is refreshingly manageable compared to larger metros, meaning your salary stretches further and your quality of life climbs higher. Spacious homes, excellent schools, and a genuine sense of community make Des Moines a city where planting roots feels natural — not forced.

Who We're Looking For

We want someone who treats occupational therapy as more than a career — it's a vocation. Someone who lights up when a patient accomplishes something they thought they'd never do again. Someone who brings patience, precision, and heart into every interaction, whether it's a tough day in the clinic or a breakthrough moment that makes everything worth it.

Experienced OTR/Ls will find a home here, but so will newer clinicians eager to grow under the guidance of a strong mentorship culture. If you value meaningful work, strong professional relationships, and a lifestyle that offers both opportunity and ease — this is where you belong.

Take the Next Step Toward Something Greater

This isn't just a job listing. It's an open door to a career chapter defined by purpose, community, and real clinical impact. In Des Moines, you'll find a team that lifts you up, a city that welcomes you in, and a patient population that will remind you every single day why you chose this profession.

If you're ready to bring your best to a place that gives its best right back — we're ready to meet you.