Senior Level Lead Occupational Therapist Jobs
Senior level lead occupational therapist jobs place experienced clinicians in charge of program direction, clinical outcomes, and the teams and initiatives that deliver them. Openings concentrate across Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, with a mix of on-site, hybrid, and remote positions available, and employers like SGS, Jobot, and AbbVie hiring at this level now.
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Recruitment #: S2664
Review Date: Open | Open until filled
Department: Occupational Therapy
Salary Range: $124,988 - $147,045
About Western Oregon University:
Western Oregon University is a regional public, mid-sized university – committed to changing lives,
strengthening communities and transforming our world. Located in Monmouth, the heart of Oregon’s lush
Willamette Valley, WOU is about 20 minutes from Salem, the state’s capital and about 75 minutes from
Portland, the state’s cultural hub.
Western is one of Oregon’s oldest public institutions of higher education and was incorporated into the state
system as a teacher training institution in 1882. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in
arts and sciences, education and professional areas. It’s known for small class sizes, a focus on sustainability
and a diverse liberal arts education in a student-centered environment. Western is a Hispanic Serving
institution, with over 40% of undergraduates being students of color.
Position Summary:
The Director of Occupational Therapy collaborates with university leadership to ensure alignment between the
programs mission, aims, and goals and those of the University. . The Director ensures that all accreditation
standards, as determined by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and by the
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, are met on an ongoing basis. The Director is responsible
for providing leadership, vision, planning, and supporting the growth, excellence, and success of the OTD
program. This includes administering and managing the various program operations, as well as oversight of
the curriculum, maintenance of accreditation, maintaining the OTD facilities, recruitment and admission
processes, program budget and resources, clinical programs, and data recording and reporting processes for
clients, faculty, staff, and student clinicians. The Director supervises and mentors OTD faculty and staff, and
mentors and teaches OTD students.
The Director cultivates and maintains external partnerships with community stakeholders, and local/regional
and national organizations. The Director works with Academic Affairs leaders to facilitate strategic initiatives for
the OTD program and to support student success and academic excellence. This position also collaborates
with diverse partners across Academic Affairs and WOU and promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion within
the OTD program and WOU.
This position is the Director of the Occupational Therapy Doctoral (OTD) Program, a program that launched its
first cohort Fall 2024 and is completing the final steps of ACOTE accreditation fall 2026. The OTD program is
located within the Behavioral Science Division, which is within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The
OTD program currently serves 62 students over 3 cohorts. Once fully established the program will serve up to
120 students across 3 cohorts.
In accordance with ACOTE standards, the OTD program director must be an occupational therapist eligible for
licensure within the State of Oregon and must hold a doctoral degree awarded by an institution that is
accredited by a USDE-recognized institutional accrediting agency. Doctoral degrees awarded by institutions in
countries other than the US must be reviewed and approved by ACOTE.
Required Qualifications: Please ensure your application materials clearly demonstrate how you meet the
following:
- Doctoral degree or equivalent (Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.) in Occupational Therapy, awarded by an institution
- Initially certified occupational therapist who is licensed or eligible for licensure in Oregon
- 8+ years of documented experience in the field of Occupational Therapy, which must include:
- Clinical practice experience as an occupational therapist.
- Administrative experience including, but not limited to, program planning and implementation,
- Scholarship (e.g. scholarship of application, scholarship of teaching and learning).
- Understanding of the role of the occupational therapy assistant.
- 4+ years of experience as a faculty member with teaching responsibilities at the post baccalaureate level.
How to Apply: Please upload the following required materials within the application portal.
Applications missing any of the required documents will not move forward for consideration. Please include
only the materials listed below:
1. WOU Employment Application available here
2. Cover Letter that outlines your qualifications and how they align with the required qualifications
3. Resume/CV
4. Unofficial transcripts for your highest degree earned
5. Reference form available here
Background and Education Verification:
As a condition of employment, the selected candidate must successfully complete a criminal background
check. For positions that require a formal degree as a minimum qualification, the university will also verify
educational credentials.
Benefits:
Western Oregon University offers an excellent benefits package for eligible employees which includes 95%
premium paid healthcare, a generous retirement and vacation package, and reduced tuition rates for
employees, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon Public Universities. http://www.wou.edu/hr/benefits/
Equal Employment Opportunity:
Western Oregon University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color,
national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, veteran status, or any other
characteristic protected by law. We embrace our differences and know that our diverse team is a strength that
drives our success.
Requests for Accommodation:
Western Oregon University is committed to developing a barrier-free recruitment process and work
environment. Applicants who need disability-related accommodations to participate in the application or hiring
process are encouraged to contact leaveandaccommodations@wou.edu.
Veterans Preference
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans' Preference when applying with Western Oregon University in
accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230 and 408.235; and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Preference
will be given only if the applicant meets the minimum criteria of the position and electronically attach the
required documentation at the time of application. For information regarding Veterans' Preference
qualifications, visit http://www.oregonjobs.org/DAS/STJOBS/vetpoints.shtmlq
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to provide individual updates on application
status. Applicants are encouraged to regularly check the status of the search through the WOU employment
website. We appreciate your interest in employment at Western Oregon University and thank you for
considering WOU as your employer.
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Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Agriculture & Farming
Senior Level Lead Occupational Therapist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a senior level lead occupational therapist job?
Employers at this level look for demonstrated ownership of clinical programs, not just strong caseload performance. Candidates who stand out typically show a history of mentoring other therapists, leading quality improvement initiatives, and influencing care protocols across a department or service line. A specialty certification, such as in hand therapy or neurological rehabilitation, and evidence of cross-functional collaboration with physicians and administrators will sharpen your profile considerably.
Which companies hire senior level lead occupational therapists?
Companies hiring senior level lead occupational therapists right now include SGS, Jobot, and AbbVie, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from large hospital systems, regional rehabilitation networks, and specialty outpatient practices that need experienced clinicians to lead and develop their occupational therapy departments.
Are there remote senior level lead occupational therapist jobs?
Yes, though most remote roles at this level involve program management, care coordination, or telehealth rather than hands-on clinical work. About 14% of senior level lead occupational therapist openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting growing demand for experienced OTs who can oversee distributed teams or deliver virtual occupational therapy services across multiple sites.
What makes a lead occupational therapist role senior level?
Senior level lead occupational therapist roles are defined by scope of ownership and clinical authority. Rather than managing a caseload under supervision, senior clinicians set treatment standards, lead department-wide initiatives, mentor junior and mid-level therapists, and serve as the clinical point of accountability for outcomes. They are typically involved in budget oversight, staffing decisions, and cross-departmental program development in ways that mid-level roles are not.
Which industries hire the most senior level lead occupational therapists?
Senior Level lead occupational therapist roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive hiring at this level because they operate complex, multidisciplinary care environments where experienced OTs are needed to lead clinical teams, standardize practice across locations, and manage programs that serve high-acuity or specialized patient populations.