New $10 million Rehab Center in Okemos Hiring 150; More Jobs Coming

The new, $10 million Okemos Health and Rehabilitation Center (OHRC) is hiring 150 employees beginning in April. 

Applications are flying out the door, says Tom Ellis, director of provider relations for Extendicare, the Ontario-based owner of the rehab center.

The jobs range from entry-level and clinical positions to those of supervisors and administrators. Once the center opens in June, Ellis figures 150 more spin off jobs will draw in local businesses such as those offering food , landscaping, or laboratory services.

Clients include those who have been hospitalized, and discharged but aren’t ready to care for themselves.

“It’ll be like if your mom falls down and breaks her hip. After the hospital repair, she’ll need time and help before she can go home,” Ellis says.

The rehab center, located at 5211 Marsh Rd., just north of Meridian Mall, will be a great place to work, Ellis says. It will be the first of its kind in the country, created under the state’s new Long Term Care Facility Innovative Design Supplemental Program (FIDS), administrated by the Michigan Department of Community Health Bureau of Health Systems. 

The 100-room center will have 80 percent single occupancy beds, barrier free resident rooms, and will accept Medicare, Medicaid and private pay.

The building is designed to represent a community with four neighborhoods, joined by two separate inner courtyards with fountains. Each neighborhood has a different nature theme, including the Great Lakes Neighborhood which is done nautically in navy blues, with boats and seashells. Two dining rooms and a 2,200 sq.ft. rehabilitation center are also planned.

The grand opening celebration is scheduled for July 15 and 16.

Applications are being screened by Capital Area Michigan Works! in Lansing, at 2110 S. Cedar St.; in St. Johns at 101 W. Cass Street Suite A; and in Charlotte at 311 W. First St. 

Final selection will be made by Extendicare and already-hired-managers. 

Source: Tom Ellis, Extendicare

Gretchen Cochran, Innovation & Jobs Editor, may be contacted here

All Photographs © Dave Trumpie

Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.
Signup for Email Alerts