Occupational Therapist Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, the importance of occupational therapist assistants cannot be overstated.

As the sector progresses, the need for skilled individuals who can support and enhance the work of occupational therapists grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an occupational therapist assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker aiming to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of occupational therapy assistance,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a tailor-made occupational therapist assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Occupational Therapist Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Occupational Therapist Assistants (OTA) work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to help patients recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

OTAs mainly assist in providing rehabilitative services to individuals with physical, mental, or developmental impairments.

The duties and responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist Assistant often include:

• Following treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist
• Assisting patients with therapeutic activities, such as stretches and other exercises
• Teaching patients how to use special equipment—for example, showing a patient with Parkinson’s disease how to use devices that make eating easier
• Helping patients with a variety of daily tasks, including dressing, eating, and bathing
• Documenting patients’ progress and reporting back to the Occupational Therapist
• Setting up treatment areas, preparing therapy sessions, maintaining equipment, and cleaning after sessions
• Educating family members about patient care and home exercises
• Performing administrative tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing billing

 

Occupational Therapist Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and empathetic Occupational Therapist Assistant to help our clients improve their quality of life and regain their independence.

Your responsibilities will include implementing occupational therapy programs as per the treatment plan developed by the Occupational Therapist, educating and supporting patients and their families, and documenting patient progress.

Our ideal candidates have a compassionate nature, excellent interpersonal skills, and a solid understanding of occupational therapy practices and techniques.

 

Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy programs as directed by the Occupational Therapist
• Monitor patient’s condition and progress and report on noticeable changes
• Assist patients with therapeutic activities and exercises
• Help patients with equipment and devices used during therapy
• Teach patients and families about patient’s condition and home-care techniques
• Document patient’s progress and maintain treatment records
• Adhere to professional standards, home care policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements
• Support the Occupational Therapist in evaluating patient’s abilities and challenges

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapist Assistant program
• State licensure as an Occupational Therapist Assistant
• Proven experience as an Occupational Therapist Assistant
• Understanding of occupational therapy principles, theories, and practices
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage patients with different types of personalities
• Current CPR certification

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Occupational Therapist Assistant
• Work Environment: This position is primarily in a healthcare facility setting and may require home visits. Physical demands include moving and lifting patients, bending, kneeling, and standing for long periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior 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 an Occupational Therapist Assistant Do?

Occupational Therapist Assistants work under the direction and supervision of Occupational Therapists.

They play a vital role in helping patients recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.

Their duties often involve helping patients perform therapeutic activities, such as stretches and other exercises.

They might also be involved in teaching patients how to use special equipment, for example, showing a patient with Parkinson’s disease how to use devices that make eating easier.

Occupational Therapist Assistants may also assist in recording a patient’s progress, reporting back to the therapist, and modifying treatment plans as per the patient’s needs or progress.

They also play a role in educating family members and caregivers about patient care, so they can provide the necessary support when therapy sessions are not in progress.

In addition, the Occupational Therapist Assistant may be responsible for maintaining treatment area cleanliness and safety, and in some cases, they may help with billing and insurance paperwork.

Their ultimate goal is to assist the Occupational Therapist in improving the patient’s ability to carry out tasks and activities of daily life.

 

Occupational Therapist Assistant Qualifications and Skills

An effective Occupational Therapist Assistant should possess the following skills and qualifications to excel in their role:

• Understanding of therapeutic techniques and interventions to facilitate patients’ progress towards their rehabilitation goals.
• Strong communication skills to effectively interact with patients, their families, and the primary occupational therapist, discussing treatment plans and progress.
• Physical stamina and dexterity to assist patients in exercises and use of therapeutic equipment.
• Empathy and patience to work with patients who may be dealing with physical or cognitive impairments, emotional distress, or slow progress.
• Observation skills to accurately monitor and report on patients’ responses and progress during therapy sessions.
• Basic medical knowledge to understand patient diagnoses, medical records and treatment plans.
• Time-management skills to efficiently manage therapy schedules and ensure each patient receives the attention they need.
• Collaboration skills to work as part of a larger healthcare team, including occupational therapists, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

 

Occupational Therapist Assistant Experience Requirements

Occupational Therapist Assistant candidates typically require a minimum of an Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

This educational program involves substantial practical experience through internships and hands-on clinical work under the supervision of licensed Occupational Therapists.

Entry-level Occupational Therapist Assistants may have 1 to 2 years of experience, usually gained through their clinical internships during their educational program.

These individuals should be adept at assisting in the implementation of treatment plans, documenting patient progress, and understanding the fundamental principles of occupational therapy.

Candidates with 2 to 3 years of experience often have further developed their skills in patient care and are more familiar with a broader range of disorders and conditions.

They may also have experience working in various settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools.

Occupational Therapist Assistants with more than 5 years of experience typically have advanced patient care skills and may have specialized in a specific area of occupational therapy.

These professionals are often adept at modifying treatment plans based on patient response and are ready for more responsibilities such as supervisory roles or mentoring less experienced assistants.

It is essential to note that all Occupational Therapist Assistants must be licensed to practice, which involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam, in addition to meeting the experience requirements.

 

Occupational Therapist Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Occupational Therapist Assistants typically need to earn an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

These programs generally take about two years to complete and cover both classroom education and hands-on training.

Key areas of study include medical terminology, body mechanics and movement, and therapeutic techniques.

All states require Occupational Therapist Assistants to be licensed or registered.

Licensing requirements typically involve graduating from an accredited program and passing a national examination for occupational therapist assistants.

While not required, many Occupational Therapist Assistants opt to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher to improve their career prospects.

Specializations in areas like pediatrics, mental health, or geriatrics may also be beneficial.

Continuing education is important in this role, as regular training in new therapeutic techniques and treatments can help keep skills up-to-date.

Some assistants may also choose to pursue certification in a specific area of occupational therapy.

 

Occupational Therapist Assistant Salary Expectations

An Occupational Therapist Assistant earns an average of $60,410 (USD) per year.

The actual salary may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, specialization in the field, geographical location, and the type of employer.

 

Occupational Therapist Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Occupational Therapist Assistant need?

Occupational Therapist Assistants need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with clients and their families.

They need to be empathetic, patient, and sensitive to the needs of their clients.

Strong observation skills, flexibility, and problem-solving abilities are also essential in this role, as they often need to adapt therapy plans to meet individual client needs.

Additionally, they should have the physical stamina to assist clients with mobility and perform tasks like lifting or transferring patients.

 

Do Occupational Therapist Assistants need a degree?

Yes, Occupational Therapist Assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

In most states, they are also required to be licensed or registered.

This usually involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam after completing the degree program.

 

What should you look for in an Occupational Therapist Assistant resume?

In an Occupational Therapist Assistant resume, you should look for formal education and certification in occupational therapy.

Clinical experience, either through internships or jobs, in different types of settings such as schools, rehabilitation centers, or hospitals is a significant asset.

Also, look for skills such as patient care, communication, teamwork, and familiarity with therapy techniques and equipment.

 

What qualities make a good Occupational Therapist Assistant?

A good Occupational Therapist Assistant is compassionate, understanding, and patient, as they often work with individuals facing physical or mental challenges.

They must be excellent communicators to effectively relay information between patients and occupational therapists.

They should also be detail-oriented and organized to manage multiple clients and therapy plans.

Finally, physical stamina and a genuine interest in helping others improve their quality of life are important qualities.

 

Is it challenging to hire Occupational Therapist Assistants?

The difficulty in hiring Occupational Therapist Assistants can vary depending on the geographical location and the specific requirements of the role.

There’s a growing demand for healthcare services, including occupational therapy, which may lead to a shortage of qualified professionals in the future.

It’s important to offer competitive salaries and benefits, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment to attract and retain talented Occupational Therapist Assistants.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve demystified what it truly entails to be an occupational therapist assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting with therapy.

It’s about sculpting the future of healthcare, one patient’s progress at a time.

Armed with our reliable occupational therapist assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to take the next step.

But why halt your journey here?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Every patient interaction is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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