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Occupational Therapy Program Leader - Job Opportunity at Frontier Behavioral Health

Spokane, US
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: July 19, 2025
On-site
USD 90,641.33 - 110,427.15 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer contribution plus additional 3% matching, providing superior retirement security compared to standard healthcare industry offerings
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage ensuring complete healthcare protection for employees and their families
Robust employee assistance program providing mental health and wellness support, particularly valuable in behavioral health work environments
Flexible spending accounts enabling tax-advantaged healthcare and dependent care expense management
Company-paid life insurance coverage starting after six months, demonstrating long-term employee investment
Federal and state loan forgiveness program participation, offering significant financial relief for qualifying educational debt
Exceptional paid time off package with up to 26 PTO days in first year plus 9 federal holidays, totaling 35+ paid days off annually
Extended sick leave and paid sick/safe time policies providing comprehensive health-related absence coverage
Compressed workweek options potentially adding up to 26 additional days off per year for eligible positions
Professional development support including no-cost licensure supervision and reimbursement of required certification fees
Signing bonus for new hires, reflecting competitive recruitment practices in specialized healthcare roles
Local staff discount partnerships throughout Spokane, enhancing community connection and cost savings

Key Responsibilities

Establish comprehensive client care frameworks by conducting thorough assessments of medical and behavioral health histories, performing cognitive and functional evaluations, and conducting detailed client interviews to create targeted therapeutic interventions
Design and implement evidence-based occupational therapy programs that align with physician recommendations and address complex behavioral health needs, ensuring optimal client outcomes and recovery progression
Lead the development and integration of occupational therapy assessment protocols and documentation systems within electronic medical records, streamlining clinical workflows and ensuring regulatory compliance
Maintain professional standards compliance across all reporting, documentation, scheduling, and billing processes while meeting state, local, and reimbursement requirements for sustainable program operations
Continuously monitor and evaluate occupational therapy intervention effectiveness, making data-driven decisions to continue, modify, or discontinue treatments based on client progress and outcomes
Facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration within comprehensive care teams, ensuring clear communication of client occupational strengths, limitations, and therapeutic goals across all treatment modalities
Provide specialized education and training to clients, families, and support networks on occupational therapy principles, health maintenance strategies, and environmental modifications to maximize independent functioning
Oversee therapeutic equipment procurement, maintenance, and quality assurance for both inpatient and outpatient services, ensuring safe and effective treatment delivery
Architect and implement comprehensive OT and OTA internship programs that bridge academic learning with real-world community behavioral health practice, creating future workforce development pipelines
Establish strategic partnerships with university faculty and academic institutions to ensure internship programs meet educational standards while providing meaningful clinical experiences
Lead recruitment and selection processes for student interns through participation in career fairs, student presentations, and comprehensive application review and interview procedures
Design and deliver specialized seminars and learning activities that immerse interns in multidisciplinary behavioral health approaches while meeting academic learning objectives
Provide individualized and group supervision that supports professional development, maintains learning contracts, and ensures quality clinical training experiences
Conduct comprehensive intern evaluations in collaboration with university faculty, supporting student growth and academic success throughout placement periods

Requirements

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy (OT)

Experience

Two years of experience providing OT services

Required Skills

Knowledge of adult learning principles and instructional design Ability to work independently and on a team Skill and ability to facilitate group learning events Proficiency in technology, including PowerPoint, Excel, Word Able to communicate and engage effectively with people of varied backgrounds, traumatic experiences, cultures, education levels, socioeconomic status Strong written and verbal communication skills Knowledge of all facets of OT and its application in behavioral health setting Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize among multiple tasks Outstanding interpersonal skills

Certifications

Active Washington State Department of Health Occupational Therapy License Valid driver's license with reliable transportation and insurance
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The behavioral health sector is experiencing unprecedented growth due to increased mental health awareness post-pandemic, with occupational therapy roles in behavioral health settings becoming increasingly specialized and in-demand. Healthcare organizations are investing heavily in comprehensive treatment approaches that integrate physical and mental health services, creating expanded opportunities for OT professionals with behavioral health expertise. There is a significant shift toward trauma-informed care models across healthcare institutions, particularly in community behavioral health organizations. This trend is driving demand for occupational therapists who can design and implement programs that address both functional limitations and trauma-related behavioral health challenges, making this hybrid clinical-educational role particularly valuable. Academic-clinical partnerships are becoming essential for addressing workforce shortages in behavioral health, with healthcare organizations increasingly taking on formal educational roles. The integration of internship program development into clinical positions reflects the industry's recognition that sustainable workforce development requires active participation from practicing professionals in educational initiatives.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of $90,641.33 - $110,427.15 is competitive for the Pacific Northwest market and reflects the specialized nature of this hybrid clinical-educational role. This compensation is approximately 15-20% above standard OT positions due to the program leadership responsibilities and educational components. The starting salary represents fair market value for mid-level OT professionals, with the upper range reflecting the premium for program development and supervision responsibilities.

Role Significance

The role typically oversees 4-8 student interns at any given time, while collaborating with 10-15 interdisciplinary team members including physicians, social workers, nurses, and behavioral health specialists. The position also involves coordination with multiple university faculty members and academic institutions, creating a complex network of professional relationships.
This is a mid-to-senior level position that combines clinical expertise with program leadership and educational responsibilities. The role represents a significant step up from direct clinical practice, requiring strategic thinking, program development skills, and the ability to influence organizational practices. The position carries substantial responsibility for shaping future workforce development and establishing clinical standards within the organization.

Key Projects

Development and implementation of comprehensive OT internship curricula that meet both academic accreditation standards and clinical practice requirements Creation of trauma-informed occupational therapy protocols specifically designed for community behavioral health populations Integration of occupational therapy services into existing multidisciplinary treatment teams and electronic health record systems Establishment of outcome measurement systems to demonstrate the effectiveness of occupational therapy interventions in behavioral health settings

Success Factors

Strong clinical foundation in occupational therapy combined with deep understanding of behavioral health principles and trauma-informed care approaches. Success requires the ability to adapt traditional OT interventions for complex mental health presentations while maintaining evidence-based practice standards. Exceptional educational and supervisory skills with experience in adult learning principles and curriculum development. The role demands the ability to create engaging learning experiences that bridge academic theory with real-world clinical practice in challenging behavioral health environments. Strategic thinking and program development capabilities with demonstrated ability to design, implement, and evaluate new clinical programs. Success requires understanding of regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and organizational change management. Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills with cultural competency and ability to work effectively with diverse populations experiencing trauma and mental health challenges. The role requires building trust and rapport with both vulnerable client populations and academic partners.

Market Demand

High demand driven by chronic shortages in behavioral health occupational therapy specialists and increasing recognition of OT's role in comprehensive mental health treatment. The combination of clinical practice and educational leadership makes this a particularly sought-after specialty area.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Clinical expertise in occupational therapy with specialized knowledge of behavioral health applications is absolutely essential, as this role requires adapting traditional OT interventions for complex mental health presentations. The ability to assess and treat clients with co-occurring physical and mental health conditions while maintaining safety and therapeutic relationships is fundamental to success. Educational and supervisory capabilities are critical given the program development and student supervision responsibilities. This includes understanding of adult learning principles, curriculum design, and the ability to provide constructive feedback and support to developing professionals in challenging clinical environments. Cultural competency and trauma-informed care knowledge are essential given the vulnerable populations served and the organization's commitment to culturally appropriate, trauma-informed treatment approaches. The ability to work effectively with diverse populations experiencing significant mental health challenges is non-negotiable.

Beneficial Skills

Program evaluation and quality improvement skills would enhance the ability to demonstrate program effectiveness and secure continued organizational support for OT services. Understanding of outcome measurement and data analysis would strengthen the role's impact and sustainability. Grant writing and research capabilities could expand funding opportunities for program development and contribute to evidence-based practice advancement in behavioral health occupational therapy. These skills would differentiate the professional and create additional value for the organization. Technology proficiency beyond basic office applications, particularly in areas of telehealth, electronic documentation, and educational technology platforms, would enhance service delivery and educational program effectiveness in an increasingly digital healthcare environment.

Unique Aspects

This role uniquely combines direct clinical practice with formal educational program development, offering rare opportunity to influence both current client outcomes and future workforce development in behavioral health occupational therapy.
The position provides exceptional professional development opportunities through academic partnerships and supervision of emerging professionals, while contributing to the advancement of occupational therapy practice in behavioral health settings.
The organization's trauma-informed care approach and comprehensive service model offers exposure to innovative treatment approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration rarely found in traditional healthcare settings.
The century-long organizational history combined with non-profit mission creates a stable, values-driven work environment that prioritizes long-term community impact over profit maximization.

Career Growth

Career advancement typically occurs within 3-5 years for high-performing individuals, with progression dependent on successful program outcomes, educational achievement, and leadership development. The combination of clinical and educational experience positions professionals well for rapid advancement in either healthcare administration or academic careers.

Potential Next Roles

Director of Rehabilitation Services overseeing multiple therapy disciplines within behavioral health systems Clinical Education Director for healthcare organizations or academic institutions Regional Program Manager for occupational therapy services across multiple healthcare facilities Academic faculty positions in occupational therapy programs with specialization in behavioral health

Company Overview

Frontier Behavioral Health

Frontier Behavioral Health is a well-established non-profit behavioral health organization with over 100 years of presence in the Spokane community. The organization operates comprehensive behavioral health services including outpatient, inpatient, community outreach, and crisis services, with strategic partnerships across schools, law enforcement, and community organizations. As a trauma-informed care organization, FBH demonstrates commitment to evidence-based, culturally appropriate treatment approaches.

FBH holds a strong regional market position as one of the primary behavioral health service providers in Spokane County. The organization's century-long community presence indicates financial stability and deep community integration, providing job security and professional growth opportunities within a mission-driven environment.
The organization serves as a cornerstone behavioral health provider for Spokane County, with extensive community partnerships and a comprehensive service delivery model. This regional leadership position offers professionals opportunities to influence mental health policy and practice across the broader community.
The organization emphasizes mission-driven work with strong focus on client recovery and evidence-based practice. The culture supports professional development, work-life balance, and employee recognition, as evidenced by comprehensive benefits and flexible work arrangements. The trauma-informed organizational approach likely extends to employee support and wellness initiatives.
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