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Prison Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

UTMB Health

Occupational Therapist - Bell Unit

Cleveland, TX · On-site

$36.25 - $47.75/hr

Directs the evaluation, development, coordination, and implementation of occupational therapy ... Located within the confines of a prison, jail or juvenile detention center. Security clearance is ...

Above it All LLC

Addictions Counselor

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

... prisons, and other entities in coordinating client care. * Assist clients in their access and ... and Therapists; or Licensed, certified, or permitted under the Health Occupations Article ...

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How much do prison occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for prison occupational therapy in the United States is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by occupational therapists working in prisons?

Occupational therapists in correctional settings often face challenges such as limited resources, managing security-related restrictions, and working with individuals who may have complex mental health or behavioral needs. The environment can be unpredictable, and it requires adapting therapeutic interventions to fit within safety protocols and available facilities. Therapists may also need to collaborate closely with correctional officers, medical staff, and mental health professionals to ensure coordinated care. Despite these challenges, many practitioners find the role rewarding as it allows them to make a meaningful difference in helping inmates develop life skills and prepare for successful reintegration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prison Occupational Therapy position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prison Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, state licensure, and solid assessment and intervention planning skills tailored to the correctional population. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), adaptive equipment, and behavioral assessment tools is typically required. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and resilience are vital soft skills for working effectively with incarcerated individuals and multidisciplinary teams. These abilities are essential to support rehabilitation, promote functional independence, and ensure safe, effective care within the unique environment of a correctional facility.

What is a Prison Occupational Therapy job?

A Prison Occupational Therapy job involves helping incarcerated individuals develop skills for daily living, work, and reintegration into society. Occupational therapists assess inmates' physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities to create individualized treatment plans. They may address mental health challenges, substance abuse recovery, or vocational training. The goal is to improve inmates' independence, reduce recidivism, and support a successful transition back into the community.

More about Prison Occupational Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Prison Occupational Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Prison Occupational Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Prison Occupational Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Prison Occupational Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Prison Occupational Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Prison Occupational Therapy jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Prison Occupational Therapy jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Prison Occupational Therapy jobs are:
Prison Occupational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prison Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,531 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Occupational Therapist - Bell Unit

UTMB Health

Cleveland, TX

$36.25 - $47.75/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

UTMB Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 168 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

The mission of Correctional Managed Care is to address the healthcare needs of underserved patient populations within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD).

JOB SUMMARY: 

Directs the evaluation, development, coordination, and implementation of occupational therapy intervention provided to patients. Serves as a patient advocate assuring the delivery of occupational therapy meets legal, ethical and institutional standards while adhering to the philosophy, objective, policies and procedures of the department and the organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Provides evaluation, treatment and discharge planning to patients relative to age, culture and condition in assigned clinical area.
  • Documents patient evaluation, treatment progress and billing, appropriately in the medical record. Documentation must meet peer review requirements.
  • Communicates pertinent patient information with the patient, family members, physicians, team members, and other disciplines.
  • Participates in rounds, clinics and case conferences as assigned.
  • Meets required competencies for assigned area.
  • Delegates duties and monitors service delivery appropriately to COTA, Rehabilitation Aide.
  • Supervises students as requested (at least 1 year of experience).
  • Participates in training and supervision of entry-level therapist and mentoring physical therapist.
  • Participates in the provides in-service/continuing education/research opportunities.
  • Adheres to internal controls established for department.
  • Performs related duties as required.
EQUIPMENT:
 
Standard office equipment; standard occupational therapy equipment.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • May be exposed to such occupational hazards such as communicable diseases, harmful chemicals, and/or disoriented or combative patients.
  • Alertness and careful attention to detail is required to avoid injury.
  • Must be able to deal with stressful and/or complex situations.
  • Travel to other outpatient clinics and to attend CEU activities may be required.
  • Lifting is required.
Located within the confines of a prison, jail or juvenile detention center. Security clearance is required; pre-employment drug testing is also required.
REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
  • Master's degree or equivalent in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program.
  • Licensed or eligible for license in the state of Texas.
  • Zero (0) to three (3) years related experience.
Salary is commensurate with years of relevant work experience.
 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity
 

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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