Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of health and wellness, the importance of Occupational Therapy Assistants is increasingly recognized.

As our understanding of occupational health evolves, the demand for capable professionals who can contribute to, sustain and advance our occupational health and wellness practices is growing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really required of an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Health and Wellness?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the complexities of occupational therapy,

You’re at the right place.

Today, we offer a customizable Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the guidance of Occupational Therapists to help patients recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

They are primarily responsible for assisting patients with rehabilitative activities and exercises as outlined in a treatment plan developed by an Occupational Therapist.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Helping patients with therapeutic activities, such as stretches and other exercises
• Assisting patients with daily tasks and activities, like getting dressed, cooking, and using a computer
• Recording patients’ progress and providing feedback to the Occupational Therapist
• Preparing treatment areas, setting up therapy equipment, and maintaining a safe and clean working environment
• Teaching patients and their families about what to do at home after treatment
• Helping patients use assistive equipment, such as wheelchairs or walking aids
• Observing patients before, during, and after therapy, noting their status and reporting to an Occupational Therapist
• Performing clerical duties, such as scheduling appointments, answering phones, and updating patient records

 

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

The assistant will be primarily responsible for providing support to the Occupational Therapist in implementing therapeutic programs designed to improve the quality of life and functionality of patients.

Your responsibilities will include assisting in the development of treatment plans, carrying out routine functions, documenting the progress of treatment, and modifying specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by an occupational therapist.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist Occupational Therapists in developing individualized treatment plans for patients.
• Help patients with therapeutic activities and exercises as part of the treatment plan.
• Monitor and document patients’ progress and report to the Occupational Therapist.
• Adhere to professional standards, follow policies and procedures and abide by federal, state and local requirements.
• Encourage patients and provide emotional support to them and their families.
• Prepare materials and assist with patient scheduling and billing.

 

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in occupational therapy.
• License to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach.
• Strong knowledge of occupational therapy principles and practices.
• Experience in a health and wellness setting is a plus.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Medical setting with regular office hours. Some evening or weekend shifts may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Occupational Therapist or Wellness Center Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $75,000 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 an Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

An Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant, often working in healthcare facilities, hospitals, or rehabilitation centers, assists occupational therapists in helping patients recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

These assistants work under the guidance of Occupational Therapists to implement therapeutic programs designed to improve a patient’s ability to perform daily activities.

They might help patients with exercises, therapeutic activities, and use adaptive equipment.

Their job role involves recording a patient’s activities and progress for the occupational therapist, as well as reporting back on a patient’s response to therapy.

Additionally, they may educate family members and caregivers about patient care, ensuring a supportive environment for the patient’s recovery.

They also have administrative tasks such as cleaning and arranging therapy equipment, ordering supplies, and assisting with insurance paperwork.

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistants have a critical role in supporting patients in their recovery journey, and they often work with a wide range of patients, from children to the elderly, each with different health conditions and therapeutic needs.

 

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An Occupational Therapy Assistant in the field of health and wellness should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Good understanding of occupational therapy principles, practices, and methods to assist patients with their physical, psychological, and social well-being.
• Ability to follow a treatment plan developed by the Occupational Therapist, and skill to adapt these treatments according to the patient’s progress and needs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to establish a supportive and empathetic relationship with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong communication skills to clearly explain treatment procedures to patients, provide feedback to the Occupational Therapist, and document patient progress.
• Physical fitness and stamina to assist and support patients during treatment sessions, which can include lifting or moving patients and equipment.
• Patience and emotional resilience to deal with patients who may be in distress or have difficulty communicating.
• Good problem-solving skills to adjust treatment plans or techniques when needed to ensure the best patient outcomes.
• Knowledge of safety measures and hygiene standards to provide a safe and comfortable environment for patients during therapy sessions.
• Time management skills to efficiently organize therapy sessions and manage multiple patients.

 

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistants generally complete an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, where they gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience during their studies.

Many students gain additional experience through internships or practicum placements in various healthcare settings, like hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or outpatient clinics.

This practical experience is crucial for understanding the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of an Occupational Therapy Assistant role.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of professional experience often obtained through part-time roles or internships during their academic program.

These early-career professionals can also gain experience in related healthcare roles such as a Rehabilitation Aide or Physical Therapy Assistant.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often skilled in providing therapy services under the direction and supervision of an Occupational Therapist.

They may have developed their expertise in areas like assistive technology, adaptive techniques, or patient education.

Those with more than 5 years of experience in the field may have acquired leadership experience, having had the opportunity to supervise and mentor new Occupational Therapy Assistants or students.

They may be ready for roles that require a high level of responsibility, such as a Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapy Assistant Manager.

 

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistants typically require an associate degree in occupational therapy assistant program.

These programs usually take about 2 years to complete and are commonly found in community colleges and technical schools.

The curriculum in these programs includes both classroom instruction and supervised fieldwork.

Theoretical learning covers subjects like medical terminology, anatomy, pediatric health and geriatric health.

The practical fieldwork involves working with patients under the supervision of experienced occupational therapists.

Most states also require Occupational Therapy Assistants to be licensed or registered.

Licensing requirements usually involve graduating from an accredited program and passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

Some Occupational Therapy Assistants also choose to pursue additional certifications in a specialized area like pediatrics, mental health or physical rehabilitation.

This not only deepens their knowledge and skills, but also enhances their employability and career growth prospects.

Continuing education is also important in this role to stay updated with the latest practices and techniques in occupational therapy.

 

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

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

This salary may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, qualifications, and geographical location.

 

Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What is the minimum educational requirement for an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

The minimum educational requirement for an Occupational Therapy Assistant is an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

Graduates must also pass the national certification examination to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

 

What kind of skills are required for an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Occupational Therapy Assistants should have strong interpersonal skills as they need to connect with patients and their families on an emotional level.

They should also possess good physical stamina as the job often involves lifting patients.

Moreover, they should be detail-oriented to follow specific therapy programs and keep accurate records of patient progress.

 

What is the work environment like for an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Occupational Therapy Assistants often work in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, outpatient clinics, and home health agencies.

They often work full-time and sometimes on weekends or evenings depending on the needs of the patients.

 

What are the daily duties of an Occupational Therapy Assistant?

On a typical day, an Occupational Therapy Assistant would work under the guidance of an Occupational Therapist.

They help patients with therapeutic activities like stretching and movement exercises.

They also teach patients how to use special equipment.

They may record the patient’s progress and report it to the therapist.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A good Occupational Therapy Assistant should be compassionate and have a genuine desire to help others.

They should have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to explain therapy programs to patients and record patient progress.

They should also be patient and adaptable to handle the varied needs of different patients.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve explored the diverse and rewarding role of an Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant.

Guess what?

It’s not just about leading exercise programs or ergonomic assessments.

It’s about supporting occupational health and wellness, one patient at a time.

With our detailed Occupational Health and Wellness Occupational Therapy Assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re primed to embark on this career path.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your guiding light for creating precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient interaction is part of a larger health and wellness journey.

Let’s navigate that journey. Together.

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