Occupational Therapy in Israel

There is a strong demand for occupational therapists to work in various areas such as:
• Integration Therapy
• Rehabilitation Therapy
• Psychiatrically Oriented Therapy

Occupational Therapists are employed in Health funds (Kupot Cholim), hospitals, clinics, hospitals, special-ed schools, etc.

Places of Employment

Kupot Cholim
Each of the four health funds, Meuchedet, Macabbi, Clalit and Leumit has branches throughout the country. The differences between the health funds lie mainly in the location of their facilities, the types of supplemental policies offered, and additional services offered within the framework of their facilities. Most large cities have a clinic in almost every district. OTs either work in the Kupot or work privately and accept Kupot members and get paid per treatment.

Private Practice
When you have a private practice you can see either see patients on a strictly private basis, or, if you have an agreement with a Kupa, you can receive members of health funds and then be reimbursed by the funds. There are many practices that combine the two.

Finding Work

One way to begin looking for work is to directly contact your local health funds or local hospitals and speak to the department head of Occupational Therapy.

It is also possible to turn to the government employment bureau for academics, known as the Bureau for the Placement of Professionals (Lishka Le Ta'asukat Acadama'im). In Jerusalem, go to:

Lishkat Taasuka
5th Floor of (new) Central Bus Station, Jerusalem
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, 8:30 – 11:30 AM and 12:30 – 2:00 PM
Monday, Wednesday, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Phone: 02 501 3111
Etti and Bilha speak English.

For a full listing of Lishkat Taasuka locations throughout Israel, see http://www.taasuka.gov.il/branches.asp.

In addition, the Ministry of Education might be contacted regarding positions for occupational therapists both in regular and special education schools.

Finally, word of mouth is often one of the best sources of job leads. Don't hesitate to let everyone you can know that you are seeking work, and follow up on any leads they may offer. Many positions are filled without ever being advertised.

Knowledge of Hebrew

A good working knowledge of Hebrew is essential. It is strongly advised to study Hebrew before you arrive and then to take Ulpan upon arrival. Even where an immigrant occupational therapist works entirely with speakers of his/her mother tongue, it is still necessary to deal with the various agencies that make up the Israeli medical network. For a full listing of Ulpan options, see the Ulpan Guide.

In addition to regular ulpan, Misrad HaKlita offers an ulpan for medical professionals - shlav bet. The class opens provided there are enough people who are interested. Be in touch with your local branch of Misrad HaKlita to find out when the next class will begin. For more information, see Medical Ulpan.

Professional Certification

Following a recent ruling of the Israeli Supreme Court, the Ministry of Health is  not allowed to process the licensing of occupational therapists. This situation will continue until the relevant medical licensing laws are amended.

In the current situation, medical institutions have been employing individuals holding foreign licenses. Practically, this ruling has not affected the employment of medical professionals who make Aliyah. Most medical professionals who have made Aliyah since this ruling was instituted, are currently employed.

When you make Aliyah, bring the following documentation with you, so that you will be able to apply for Israeli licensing once this situation is resolved. All of these documents will eventually need to be notarized and translated by an Israeli notary. However, we recommend bringing them now, but waiting to notarize and translate them until it becomes relevant (in case further changes to the process are made).

• An application form.
• Teudat Zehut (Israeli identity card).
• 3 passport photos.
• All original diplomas (or letters from the dean of the faculty indicating that you completed your studies and are entitled to a diploma).
• Official document confirming the start and end date of studies.
• Official document confirming completion of the specified period of practical work.
• Valid license.
• Official documents confirming clinical work in hospitals or medical institutions.
• Letter(s) of "Good Standing" from the appropriate professional boards.

Once the Supreme Court issues a ruling, it is likely that there will be a written and practical licensing exam.

Recognition of Diplomas through Misrad Hachinuch

If you intend to work in any public institution including schools or hospitals, you must have all of your academic diplomas recognized by Misrad Hachinuch (Ministry of Education) for salary assessment purposes. When you work in a public institution, your salary is partially based on your level of education. See Recognition of Academic Degrees.