School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern educational landscape, the role of school-based occupational therapy assistants is becoming increasingly crucial.

As educational needs evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can provide, adapt, and enhance therapeutic services in a school setting continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a school-based occupational therapy assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the field of occupational therapy in schools,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable school-based occupational therapy assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants work alongside occupational therapists to develop and implement individualized educational plans that help students achieve academic success.

They are responsible for assisting students with disabilities and/or special needs in overcoming challenges that may hinder their educational progress.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Assist in the evaluation of students’ abilities and needs
• Implement therapy plans developed by occupational therapists
• Assist students with activities of daily living, such as feeding, dressing, and personal hygiene
• Support students in developing fine motor skills needed for classroom tasks such as handwriting and using classroom tools
• Teach students techniques to improve sensory processing and integration
• Use therapeutic games and activities to help students improve their motor skills
• Monitor and document students’ progress and provide feedback to the occupational therapist
• Communicate with teachers and parents about students’ progress and needs
• Ensure therapy sessions are conducted in a safe and positive environment
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information

 

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our team.

The successful candidate will assist in the implementation of occupational therapy services under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist.

Responsibilities include providing therapeutic assistance to students, facilitating the use of adaptive equipment, and documenting student progress.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of child development, excellent interpersonal skills, and a passion for helping students overcome challenges to reach their full potential.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation of occupational therapy treatment plans
• Monitor and document student progress and report to supervising occupational therapist
• Assist students with the use of adaptive equipment and devices
• Help students develop and improve fine motor skills and sensory processing skills
• Support students in achieving their individual education plans (IEP) goals
• Collaborate with teachers and parents to provide effective therapy strategies
• Maintain a clean and safe therapy environment
• Adhere to all federal and state regulations regarding school-based occupational therapy

 

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy
• Current licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Experience working in a school setting preferred
• Excellent understanding of child development and school-based therapies
• Knowledge of adaptive equipment and assistive technology
• Ability to handle physical demands of the job, including lifting and moving
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

 

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off, including school holidays
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: School setting with occasional travel for meetings and professional development.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Occupational Therapist.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time, school year schedule
• 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 School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Do?

A School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant primarily works in educational settings to assist children in overcoming developmental challenges, enhancing their learning abilities, and improving their overall school performance.

They work under the direction and supervision of Occupational Therapists.

Their tasks usually involve implementing therapeutic interventions to help students develop, recover, improve, and maintain the skills needed for daily living and schooling.

They assist students with various activities, such as improving handwriting skills, focusing on tasks, and fine motor skills, which are essential for buttoning clothes and using utensils.

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants also help students with physical disabilities by working on mobility and coordination, and they assist in adaptive techniques for self-care tasks like eating and dressing.

They work closely with teachers, parents, and other school staff to adapt the learning environment to the child’s needs or modify specific aspects of the child’s schoolwork.

They may also be involved in the individualized education program (IEP) planning process.

Overall, they play a vital role in assisting students to achieve their full potential in the school environment.

 

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants should have a variety of skills and qualifications necessary for providing therapy to students in a school setting, including:

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of occupational therapy and the ability to apply this knowledge in a practical setting.
• Strong communication skills to effectively engage with students, teachers, and parents, and to understand and meet the students’ needs.
• Exceptional patience and empathy to work with students who have different learning abilities and needs.
• A strong understanding of child development and learning strategies suitable for different age groups.
• Excellent observational skills to monitor a student’s progress and adjust therapy plans as needed.
• Good organizational skills to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, such as preparing treatment plans, maintaining records, and managing schedules.
• Problem-solving skills to identify challenges in a student’s progress and implement effective solutions.
• Physical stamina to assist students with physical tasks and activities during therapy sessions.

 

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants typically require at least an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

This training program provides significant theoretical and practical experience needed for this role.

During the course of study, students often complete fieldwork or internships at school settings, gaining hands-on experience working with students of different age groups and learning about various physical, developmental and learning disorders.

This practical experience is critical for entry-level positions in this field.

In addition to the degree and internships, some states require Occupational Therapy Assistants to be licensed, which often involves passing a national examination.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience may have additional experience in school settings, pediatric clinics, or early intervention programs.

This experience may include planning and implementing occupational therapy interventions under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist, documenting progress, and adapting the school environment to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Those with more than 3 years of experience may have developed advanced skills in specific areas, such as sensory integration therapy, assistive technology, or autism spectrum disorders.

These candidates may also have experience in working closely with teachers and parents to support the child’s success in school.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may also have some leadership experience, such as supervising and training new Occupational Therapy Assistants, coordinating with other school professionals, or leading initiatives to improve occupational therapy services in schools.

They may be ready for roles such as Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapy Program Coordinator.

 

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants typically need to have an associate’s degree in occupational therapy from an accredited program.

This program involves practical and theoretical learning about human growth and development, the impact of illness and injury on occupation, and therapeutic techniques.

A significant component of this training involves supervised fieldwork, where assistants gain hands-on experience in a school setting under the guidance of experienced occupational therapists.

Upon graduation, all states require School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants to be licensed or registered.

The licensing process usually involves passing the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam.

Additionally, most employers prefer candidates who have prior work experience with children.

This could be in the form of internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work in schools, community centers, or pediatric units.

To maintain licensure, occupational therapy assistants must complete continued education coursework.

This helps them stay updated with the latest treatments, techniques, and tools to assist students in achieving their full potential.

Optional certifications in areas like sensory integration or behavioral therapy may also be beneficial, indicating a candidate’s commitment to continuing education and specialization within their field.

 

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

A School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant earns an average salary of $46,488 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may vary depending on factors such as years of experience, educational qualifications, and the city or state where the school is located.

 

School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant need?

A School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant needs to have strong communication skills to interact effectively with students, parents, and school staff.

They need to be patient, empathetic, and have a genuine desire to help children improve their skills.

They should have a good understanding of child development and be able to create and implement therapy plans suitable for children of various ages and abilities.

 

Do School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants need a degree?

Yes, School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program.

In addition to this, they also need to be licensed in the state they plan to work in.

Some states may require additional certification or continuing education.

 

What should you look for in a School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant resume?

A School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant’s resume should show completion of an accredited occupational therapy assistant program and state licensure.

It should also highlight any experience working with children, especially those with special needs.

Key skills to look for include adaptability, patience, creativity, and strong interpersonal skills.

 

What qualities make a good School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A good School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistant is patient, compassionate, and enjoys working with children.

They are observant and can quickly identify a child’s needs and adapt therapy plans accordingly.

Good School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants are also great communicators who can clearly explain therapy goals and progress to parents and teachers.

 

Is it difficult to hire School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants?

Hiring School-Based Occupational Therapy Assistants can be challenging due to the specific skills and qualifications required for the job.

Demand for these professionals is high, especially in areas with large school districts.

To attract the best candidates, employers may need to offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ongoing professional development opportunities.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true essence of being a school-based occupational therapy assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about assisting in therapy sessions.

It’s about shaping the future of our students, one therapy session at a time.

With our comprehensive school-based occupational therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a move.

But why stop there?

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

Remember:

Every therapy session is a part of a larger journey.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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