Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the focus on Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants is becoming increasingly important.

As the population ages, the demand for skilled professionals who can assist, support, and optimize the daily living of our elderly intensifies.

But let’s peel back the layers: What’s truly expected from a Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the day-to-day of a Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive in.

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants provide essential support to occupational therapists in their efforts to aid older adults in maintaining or regaining their independence and improving their ability to perform daily activities.

They play a crucial role in helping elderly patients improve their life skills and physical capabilities.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the evaluation of the patient’s condition and needs, under the direction of the occupational therapist
• Implementing treatment plans created by the occupational therapist
• Teaching and demonstrating physical exercises that are part of the patient’s rehabilitation program
• Assisting patients in activities of daily living like dressing, eating, and using bathroom facilities
• Monitoring and recording patients’ progress, noting any changes in their physical condition, behavior, or abilities
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to patients during their therapy sessions
• Ensuring a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
• Communicating patient progress or any changes to the occupational therapist
• Assisting in the procurement, maintenance, and management of therapy equipment

 

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our team.

The ideal candidate is patient, empathetic and skilled in assisting elderly patients in their daily living and therapeutic activities under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist.

The responsibilities of a Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant include implementing treatment plans, maintaining patient records, and supporting patients in reaching their treatment goals.

A successful candidate should have a solid understanding of geriatric care, excellent interpersonal skills, and a passion for improving the lives of the elderly.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist Occupational Therapists in implementing therapeutic programs tailored to patient needs.
• Help patients perform therapeutic activities, such as stretching and strength-building exercises.
• Teach and guide patients in the use of assistive devices.
• Record patient progress and response to treatment.
• Adhere to professional standards and regulations while providing care.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for patients.
• Communicate effectively with patients, their families, and the healthcare team.
• Participate in continuous learning and professional development activities.

 

Qualifications

• Associate degree or certification in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Current licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Experience working with elderly patients is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong understanding of patient privacy and other healthcare regulations.
• Physical stamina and ability to assist patients with physical activities.

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Life insurance
• Employee wellness programs

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: This role will primarily take place in a healthcare setting such as a nursing home or patient’s residence. Regular travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Occupational Therapist or Therapy Department Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $36,590 minimum to $60,410 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 Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

A Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant works primarily with the elderly population, assisting them in maintaining, improving, or restoring their ability to perform daily tasks independently.

They work closely with Occupational Therapists to implement treatment plans tailored specifically to each patient’s needs and capabilities.

This could involve tasks like helping patients regain motor skills, teaching them adaptive techniques, or providing exercises to improve their balance and coordination.

Their responsibilities also include documenting patients’ progress, maintaining therapy equipment, and adapting treatment plans as necessary based on patients’ responses or changes in their health status.

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants may also provide assistance in educating patients and their families about managing the physical challenges associated with aging, such as mobility issues or the loss of fine motor skills.

They often work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, assisted living facilities, or provide in-home care.

Their main goal is to help the elderly live as independently as possible, enhancing their quality of life.

 

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant should have the skills and qualifications that fulfill the job description, such as:

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles and practices, especially as they pertain to geriatric populations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to build rapport and trust with elderly patients, and to effectively communicate with their families and healthcare teams.
• Strong physical stamina to assist and support patients during physical activities, and the ability to lift or move patients if necessary.
• High level of patience and empathy, understanding the unique challenges that elderly individuals may face in completing daily tasks.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to assess patients’ needs and abilities, and to develop or adapt treatment plans accordingly.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and protocols to ensure patient safety during therapy sessions.
• Excellent time-management skills to efficiently balance patient appointments, treatment planning, and administrative tasks.
• Adaptability to work with patients who have a variety of health conditions, and to adjust therapy plans based on changes in patients’ health.

 

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Entry-level Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants typically have at least an Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program, where they gain hands-on experience through clinical fieldwork.

This practical experience is critical for understanding the unique needs of older adults, as well as how to develop and implement effective treatment plans.

Many newly qualified therapists choose to work in nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, or adult day care centers to gain relevant experience.

Here, they can refine their skills under the supervision of a senior occupational therapist.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience usually have developed advanced competencies in geriatric care, such as understanding the health issues faced by the elderly, like arthritis, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease.

They may also have experience with adaptive devices or home modifications to promote independence and safety.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often adept at providing holistic care to their patients, collaborating with other health professionals, and may have gained experience supervising or training newer assistants.

These individuals are well-positioned for leadership roles or specialty certifications in geriatric occupational therapy.

 

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

To become a Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant, individuals need to complete an associate’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.

The curriculum typically includes both classroom study and hands-on clinical experiences.

Courses usually cover areas such as gerontology, anatomy, medical terminology, and therapeutic techniques.

Upon completion of the degree, individuals must pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Most states require occupational therapy assistants to obtain a licensure or certification.

This typically requires proof of completion of an accredited program, the NBCOT certification, and continuing education credits.

While not always required, some Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants may choose to pursue additional certification in gerontology or a related field to specialize their skills and enhance career opportunities.

Furthermore, because the field of geriatric care is constantly evolving, ongoing education is important to stay updated with the latest therapeutic methods and treatment protocols.

 

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

A Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant earns an average salary of $58,490 (USD) per year.

The actual income may fluctuate based on years of experience, educational qualifications, location, and the employing organization.

 

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant need?

Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants should have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively understand and respond to their elderly patients’ needs.

They should have a thorough knowledge of therapeutic treatments and practices relevant to geriatrics.

Patience and empathy are essential as they will be working with older adults who may have physical and cognitive limitations.

They should also possess organizational skills to manage multiple patients and treatment plans.

 

Do Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants need a degree?

Yes, Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants must have at least an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

They are also required to pass a national certification exam to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

Some states may have additional licensure requirements.

 

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

First, confirm they have an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and a COTA certification.

Look for experience or internships in geriatrics, which indicate knowledge of age-specific therapeutic methods.

It’s important they have a strong understanding of therapeutic treatments and practices for older adults.

Also, check for soft skills like patience, empathy, and excellent communication.

 

What qualities make a good Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A good Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistant is patient and empathetic, as they work with elderly patients who may be slow to respond or have difficulties expressing their needs.

They should be good listeners and communicators, to effectively understand their patients’ issues and explain the therapy procedures.

They should also be physically fit as the job might require helping patients with physical movements.

 

Is it difficult to hire Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants?

Hiring Geriatric Occupational Therapy Assistants can be challenging due to the specific skill set and qualifications required for the job.

It can be particularly difficult to find candidates who have substantial experience working with the elderly.

However, offering competitive salaries, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment can make a position more attractive to qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the rich and rewarding world of being a geriatric occupational therapy assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about providing physical assistance.

It’s about shaping the golden years of our elderly, one therapeutic session at a time.

With our detailed geriatric occupational therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Plunge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every therapy session contributes to a larger narrative of care and comfort.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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