Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare sector, the demand for Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants is continually on the rise.

As our population ages, and the need for therapeutic care grows, the call for proficient individuals who can support, rehabilitate, and restore functional abilities has become more vital than ever.

But what does a Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant truly do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the responsibilities of a Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant,

You’re in the right place.

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

Let’s dive right into it.

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to help patients regain the skills needed for daily living and working after an illness or injury.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Assist occupational therapists in developing treatment plans for patients
• Help patients with exercises and activities as part of their rehabilitation program
• Use therapeutic techniques and equipment to assist patients in improving physical functions
• Teach patients how to use specialized rehabilitative equipment and prosthetics
• Monitor and record patients’ progress, reporting any changes in their condition to the therapist
• Assist in educating the patient’s family or caregiver about patient care and home exercises
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to professional standards and health regulations
• Assist in administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining patient records

 

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

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

The ideal candidate will be responsible for helping patients develop, recover, and maintain the necessary skills for daily living and working under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the evaluation process under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist
• Implement treatment plans designed by the Occupational Therapist
• Help patients with therapeutic activities such as stretching and strength training
• Record patient’s progress and provide updates to the Occupational Therapist
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area
• Adhere to all professional standards, regulations, and company policies

 

Qualifications

• An associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
• Current state licensure or certification to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and take direction
• Knowledge of therapeutic practices and rehabilitation
• Experience working with all age groups preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Rehabilitation center with potential for in-home visits. Some weekend and evening hours may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Occupational Therapist or Rehabilitation Center Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $55,000 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 Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants work under the supervision of Occupational Therapists to help individuals who are recovering from injury, illness or disability improve their ability to perform activities of daily life.

They assist in implementing treatment plans designed by Occupational Therapists, which could involve a range of rehabilitative activities such as stretching exercises, strength and coordination activities, and tasks to improve fine motor skills.

A significant part of their role is educating patients and their families on how to use adaptive equipment, like wheelchairs, orthotic devices, or aids for eating and dressing.

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants also monitor patients’ progress, document their treatment sessions, and report back to the supervising Occupational Therapist.

They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, and sometimes in patients’ homes.

Their ultimate goal is to help patients regain their independence and improve their quality of life.

 

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Excellent knowledge of therapeutic rehabilitation activities, techniques, and equipment to assist in patient treatment.
• Strong observational skills to monitor and assess the progress of patients and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to provide emotional support and motivation to patients during the rehabilitation process.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively convey treatment plans and progress to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
• Strong teamwork skills to collaborate with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals in the provision of patient care.
• Ability to handle physical demands of the job, including lifting and moving patients and equipment when necessary.
• Good organizational skills to keep detailed records of patients’ conditions, treatments, and progress.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt treatment plans to individual patient needs and response.

 

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

Most Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants gain their initial experience through their training programs, which usually involves an associate’s degree from an accredited program.

This includes theoretical knowledge as well as clinical fieldwork, providing students with practical experience in a variety of settings such as hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies.

Entry-level roles require this educational background and usually no more than a year of experience, often gained through internships or part-time work during their training program.

For those with 2 to 3 years of experience, they may have additional proficiency in assisting with patient evaluations, developing treatment plans, and documenting patient progress, and may be tasked with more complex cases.

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants with more than 5 years of experience often have deepened their expertise in therapeutic techniques, patient care, and treatment planning.

They may also have experience in supervising students or newer assistants and could be ready for roles with increased responsibility or leadership.

In all cases, maintaining certification through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy is often necessary, and continuing education can provide opportunities for further skill development and specialization.

 

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants must have an associate’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.

These programs typically take two years to complete and provide students with a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on training.

Coursework often covers subjects such as anatomy, psychology, and pediatric health.

Additionally, these programs usually require students to complete fieldwork to gain practical experience in therapeutic techniques and patient care.

After completing their educational program, Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants must pass a national certification examination to become a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA).

This certification is required in most states in the United States.

In order to maintain their certification, Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants must complete continued education courses or workshops to stay updated on the latest practices in the field.

Although not mandatory, some may choose to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in occupational therapy to enhance their career prospects and deepen their knowledge and skills.

 

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

A Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant earns an average salary of $60,223 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographical location, and the employing organization.

 

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant need?

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants need strong interpersonal and communication skills to build relationships with patients and understand their needs.

They should possess physical stamina and dexterity to assist patients with exercises and movements.

Critical-thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to follow detailed instructions are also crucial in this role.

Furthermore, they should have patience and empathy for dealing with individuals facing various physical or mental challenges.

 

What are the educational requirements for a Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant?

Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

Most states also require licensing or certification, which generally involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

 

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

Look for a valid license or certification in Occupational Therapy Assistance, as well as a degree from an accredited program.

Clinical experience in rehabilitation settings, such as internships or fieldwork, is a strong plus.

The resume should also display skills like patient care, knowledge of therapeutic techniques, and experience with relevant equipment and tools.

 

What qualities make a good Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A good Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant is compassionate, empathetic, and patient, as they work with individuals dealing with physical or mental challenges.

They need to be observant and detail-oriented to monitor a patient’s progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.

They should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients and other healthcare professionals effectively.

 

What are the daily duties of a Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy Assistant typically assists Occupational Therapists in implementing rehabilitation plans, helps patients with therapeutic activities, and teaches them how to use necessary equipment.

They also observe and record patients’ progress and communicate these observations to the Occupational Therapist.

Other duties may include preparing treatment areas, maintaining equipment, and ensuring patient safety and comfort during therapy sessions.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the tapestry of what it truly means to be an occupational therapy assistant in rehabilitation.

Surprise!

It’s not just about assisting with exercises.

It’s about weaving a new life for patients, one therapy session at a time.

With our ready-to-use rehabilitation occupational therapy assistant job description template and practical examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating meticulous job listings or refining your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a part of the bigger picture.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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