Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of healthcare, the importance of Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants has become increasingly apparent.

As our understanding of child development and therapy advances, the need for skilled professionals who can assist, nurture, and support our children’s growth and well-being becomes critical.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to comprehend the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager mapping out the qualities of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of pediatric occupational therapy,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to help children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, towards improving their physical, cognitive, and motor skills.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist in the implementation of treatment plans designed by the Occupational Therapist
• Help children with disabilities to perform therapeutic activities, such as stretches and other exercises
• Adapt play activities to enhance a child’s physical abilities and cognitive function
• Teach children how to use special equipment and adaptive devices
• Monitor and document the child’s performance and progress
• Communicate with the child’s parents or caregivers about the child’s progress and any changes in the treatment plan
• Maintain treatment area, equipment, and supplies in a clean and organized condition
• Assist in managing behavior and creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all children
• Follow ethical standards and practices, privacy rules, and guidelines for best practice in pediatric occupational therapy

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

In this role, you will work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide rehabilitative services to children with developmental, physical, emotional, or neurological disorders.

Our ideal candidate is compassionate, patient, and has a deep understanding of child development and therapeutic techniques.

The goal is to help children improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environments and to help them develop, recover, or maintain daily living skills.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist the Occupational Therapist in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans for pediatric patients
• Provide direct therapy services as directed by the treatment plan
• Monitor and record patients’ progress and adjust treatment as necessary
• Teach and advise family members on home exercises and strategies to support the child’s development
• Maintain patient records and adhere to all confidentiality regulations
• Prepare and clean therapy equipment and work area
• Communicate effectively with all members of the healthcare team
• Stay current with the latest pediatric occupational therapy practices and technologies

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Current state licensure or certification to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Experience working with pediatric patients in a therapeutic setting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Compassionate and patient demeanor
• Strong knowledge of child development and therapeutic techniques
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks efficiently

 

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Clinical setting with direct patient contact. Some travel may be required to attend to patients in their homes.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Occupational Therapist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• 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 Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, primarily providing therapeutic care to children with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.

They assist in implementing treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist to help these children perform daily activities and reach developmental milestones.

This can include activities to enhance motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities.

They use therapeutic techniques and adaptive equipment to help children improve their skills in areas such as dressing, feeding, writing, and playing.

They also help children to develop coping strategies to manage their behavior and emotions.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants monitor and record children’s progress and report to Occupational Therapists.

They also provide support and education to families, helping them understand their child’s needs and suggesting ways to reinforce the therapy at home.

In addition to these tasks, they are responsible for maintaining a clean and safe therapeutic environment, ensuring the equipment is in good condition, and up-to-date with the latest therapeutic practices and strategies.

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant should possess skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Thorough knowledge of child development and pediatric conditions to enable appropriate therapy planning and execution.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to interact with children, their families, and healthcare professionals, cultivating a supportive and positive environment.
• Strong observational skills to monitor the progress of children and make necessary adjustments to the therapy plan.
• Patience and sensitivity towards children, understanding their needs and helping them improve their abilities to carry out daily tasks.
• Exceptional communication skills to explain therapy procedures, goals, and progress to children and their families.
• Ability to use therapeutic equipment and assistive technology to aid the children’s treatment process.
• Problem-solving skills to identify challenges in a child’s development and come up with effective therapeutic solutions.
• Physical stamina to assist children in exercises and activities, and to lift or move children as necessary during therapy sessions.

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants typically require an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

During their studies, they gain a considerable amount of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in child developmental therapies.

Most programs also require students to complete a substantial amount of clinical fieldwork, under the supervision of experienced therapists, which provides them with practical experience in pediatric occupational therapy.

Some Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants may gain additional experience by working in childcare centers, schools, or healthcare facilities, dealing with children with various developmental or physical challenges.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience usually have an entry-level understanding of pediatric occupational therapy and have honed their practical skills through direct patient care.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a more advanced understanding of therapeutic techniques and strategies and may have had experience in more complex pediatric cases.

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants with more than 5 years of experience may have some supervisory or managerial experience.

They may have led a team of therapy assistants or coordinated therapy programs for multiple patients.

They are typically equipped to take on roles with greater responsibility or specialization.

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants typically need to complete an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

These programs usually take about two years to complete and offer both academic and hands-on clinical training.

The coursework typically includes subjects such as pediatric health, anatomy, medical terminology, therapeutic exercises, and pediatric conditions and disorders.

In addition to education, every state in the U.S. requires occupational therapy assistants to be licensed or registered.

To become licensed, individuals must first pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

Prior to sitting for the exam, candidates need to have completed their degree and fulfilled all fieldwork requirements.

Continuous professional development is also important in this role, so therapists may be required to take part in ongoing education to maintain their licensure.

They may also opt to gain specialized certification in pediatric occupational therapy to enhance their skills and career opportunities.

Lastly, besides the technical skills, pediatric occupational therapy assistants should also have strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a genuine desire to help children overcome their developmental or physical challenges.

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $53,240 (USD) per year.

This income can fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, the level of education, and the state in which they practice.

 

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant need?

Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants should have strong communication skills as they work closely with children, their families, and other healthcare professionals.

They need to have patience and empathy to connect with children who may have a variety of physical or mental health issues.

Also, they should possess excellent observational skills to monitor a child’s progress and adjust treatments as necessary.

 

What qualifications are required for a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Most Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

Furthermore, they need to pass the national examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) to get licensed.

Depending on the state, additional licensure or certification may be required.

 

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

When reviewing a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant’s resume, confirm that they have the necessary licensure and certification.

Their education and training should be clearly outlined.

Experience working with children, particularly those with special needs, is a key factor to consider.

Any additional skills or certifications, such as CPR or First Aid, can be beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A good Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistant is compassionate, understanding, and patient.

They should have the ability to build trust and positive relationships with both the children they work with and their families.

Being creative and fun will help engage children in therapeutic activities.

They should also be detail-oriented and organized to manage multiple cases and keep accurate records.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants?

Hiring Pediatric Occupational Therapy Assistants can be challenging due to the specific skills and qualifications required for the role.

It’s crucial to offer competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work environment to attract and retain highly skilled professionals.

 

Conclusion

So, we’ve demystified it for you.

Today, we’ve unraveled the intricate details of being a pediatric occupational therapy assistant.

Surprising, isn’t it?

It’s not just about helping kids.

It’s about shaping the future, one child at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive pediatric occupational therapy assistant job description template and real-world instances, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why end your journey here?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. This is your next step in creating finely-tuned job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every child you help is a step towards a better future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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