Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of community-centric healthcare, the role of a Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) has never been more critical.

As healthcare evolves towards prevention and community well-being, the demand for skilled professionals who can guide, support, and implement our community health strategies escalates.

So, what’s truly expected from a Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker eager to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of community health occupational therapy,

You’ve landed on the right page.

Today, we present a customizable Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve right into it.

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of occupational therapists to provide therapy services to clients in community settings.

Their main goal is to assist clients in developing, recovering, and improving the skills necessary for daily living and working.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting in implementing treatment plans under the guidance of occupational therapists
• Teaching patients how to use special equipment and adaptive devices
• Helping patients with therapeutic activities, such as stretches and other exercises
• Recording and tracking patient progress, and report findings to occupational therapists
• Providing support for activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, and dressing
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and organized therapy environment
• Adapting treatment programs to meet the changing needs of patients
• Participating in community outreach programs to promote health and wellness
• Assisting in patient education on health promotion and disease prevention
• Communicating with other healthcare professionals and family members about patient care

 

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our team.

The successful candidate will work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, providing rehabilitative services to individuals of all ages with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments.

Their primary goal will be to help clients perform daily living and working tasks so they can lead independent, satisfying lives.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing therapeutic plans designed by the Occupational Therapist
• Teach patients skills/techniques and how to use adaptive equipment for participating in activities
• Study, record, and report on patients’ progress
• Maintain equipment and work area
• Support and educate families, caregivers, and the community about how to accommodate and care for patients
• Attend professional development sessions to stay up to date on occupational therapy practices and techniques

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Current license to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Prior experience in a healthcare setting
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of patient confidentiality laws
• Ability to work effectively in a team
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Primarily in a clinical or home setting. Some travel may be required for home visits or community outreach programs.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the supervising Occupational Therapist or Therapy Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistants work in various health settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, home health agencies, and public health departments.

They work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to provide therapeutic services to individuals and communities.

This includes helping clients with disabilities, illnesses, or other health conditions to improve their ability to perform daily activities, enhance their quality of life, and maintain or regain their independence.

Their job involves implementing treatment plans designed by Occupational Therapists.

This could include exercises to improve mobility, strength, and coordination, training in the use of adaptive equipment, or suggesting modifications to make homes or workplaces safer and more accessible.

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistants also play a vital role in educating clients and their families about various health and wellness topics, and strategies to manage chronic conditions or prevent injury and illness.

Furthermore, they may also be responsible for documenting the progress of clients, assisting in the evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment plans, and making necessary adjustments.

Their work often involves collaboration with other healthcare professionals to ensure holistic care for the clients.

 

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant should possess a unique blend of interpersonal skills, medical knowledge, and physical capabilities, including:

• Strong understanding of rehabilitation principles and ability to implement occupational therapy treatment plans under the supervision of an occupational therapist.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish rapport with patients and their families, encouraging their participation in therapeutic activities.
• Ability to conduct patient assessments and monitor their progress, documenting and reporting the results accurately.
• Sound knowledge of human anatomy, medical terminologies, and conditions, enabling them to understand and assist in the therapy process.
• Empathy and patience to work with individuals who have physical or cognitive limitations, tailoring activities to their abilities and comfort levels.
• Strong communication skills to effectively relay information between patients, their families, and occupational therapists.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to assist patients in movements and therapeutic exercises.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt therapeutic activities to the unique needs and situations of each patient.

 

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistants typically need to have an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

These programs include the study of subjects such as biology, psychology, and pediatric health and generally require two years of full-time study.

Practical experience is a crucial part of the training process.

Students usually have supervised fieldwork or an internship as part of their curriculum.

This hands-on training helps students to gain real-world experience in different settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and community health centers.

Entry-level candidates usually have a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience in a healthcare setting, often through internships or part-time roles.

These professionals gain practical experience in roles such as physical therapy assistants, home health aides, or medical assistants.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistant roles, gaining experience in working with different age groups and medical conditions.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have gained leadership skills through supervisory roles or management of therapy sessions, and may be ready for a managerial or team-lead position.

They may also have specialized experience in areas like pediatric occupational therapy, geriatric occupational therapy, or mental health occupational therapy.

 

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistants typically require an associate’s degree in occupational therapy or a closely related field from an accredited institution.

Their educational program includes coursework in subjects such as anatomy, human development, therapeutic methods, and the role of occupational therapy in health care.

It also includes supervised fieldwork or internships to gain practical experience in various settings.

In addition to formal education, all states require Occupational Therapy Assistants to be licensed or registered.

The licensure process typically involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam after graduation from an accredited program.

Continuing education is important in this field to stay updated with the latest practices and research.

Therefore, many Occupational Therapy Assistants also opt to attend workshops, seminars, or further education courses to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Certification in a specialty area, such as pediatrics, mental health, or physical rehabilitation may also be beneficial.

It demonstrates a high level of competence in a particular area of practice and could lead to more job opportunities.

A CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is also typically required for this role as Occupational Therapy Assistants often work with patients who have serious health conditions.

 

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

A Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $57,620 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings can vary greatly, depending on factors such as the years of experience, the level of education, the employing organization, and the geographical location.

 

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant need?

Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistants should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients and their families.

They should have a good understanding of different therapeutic techniques and be able to assist in implementing treatment plans.

Physical strength and dexterity are also required for this role as it often involves physically helping patients.

A compassionate and patient-oriented approach is a must-have quality in this job role.

 

Do Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistants need a degree?

Although a degree is not always necessary, many employers prefer candidates who have an associate’s degree in occupational therapy assisting.

Additionally, all states require occupational therapy assistants to be licensed or registered, which typically requires an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and passing an exam.

 

What should you look for in a Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant resume?

When reviewing a resume for this role, look for certified and licensed candidates.

They should have completed an associate’s degree in occupational therapy assisting and passed the national certification exam.

Experience working in a community health setting or with specific patient populations, such as elderly or children, could be beneficial.

Soft skills like strong communication, empathy, and patience are also essential.

 

What qualities make a good Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A good Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant is compassionate, patient, and has a genuine desire to help others.

They need to be detail-oriented to follow specific therapy plans and monitor a patient’s progress accurately.

Physical stamina is also important as the role can be physically demanding.

They should also be able to work in a team with other healthcare professionals and have excellent problem-solving skills to adapt treatment plans to individual patient needs.

 

How challenging is it to hire a Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Hiring for this role can be challenging due to the specific qualifications and licenses needed.

Moreover, finding candidates who possess the right combination of technical skills, physical stamina, and soft skills like empathy and patience can be difficult.

It may be beneficial to offer competitive benefits and create an appealing work environment to attract suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve taken a closer look at the intricate and essential role of a Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Surprised?

It’s not just about assisting with treatments.

It’s about constructing the foundations of community health, one therapy session at a time.

With our comprehensive Community Health Occupational Therapy Assistant job description template and practical examples, you’re poised to take your next step.

But don’t stop there.

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your resource for creating precision-crafted job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each therapy session contributes to the larger goal of community health.

Let’s build healthier communities. Together.

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