Use this Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) job description template to attract qualified healthcare professionals who can support occupational therapists in helping patients regain independence and improve daily living skills.
An Occupational Therapy Assistant is a licensed healthcare professional who works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, or maintain skills needed for daily living and working. OTAs assist with treatment plans, guide patients through therapeutic activities, and monitor functional progress.
An Occupational Therapy Assistant helps patients improve fine motor skills, coordination, cognitive abilities, and independence in everyday tasks. Their key responsibilities include:
- Assisting patients with therapeutic activities and exercises
- Implementing treatment plans developed by occupational therapists
- Monitoring patient progress and reporting changes
- Educating patients on adaptive techniques and use of assistive devices
- Ensuring a safe, supportive, and engaging therapy environment
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Description Template
We are looking for a compassionate and detail-oriented Occupational Therapy Assistant to support our rehabilitation team. The ideal candidate will assist with therapy sessions, document patient progress, and help individuals achieve greater independence in daily activities. If you are passionate about patient-centered care and rehabilitation, we’d love to meet you!
Roles & Responsibilities
- Assist occupational therapists with implementing individualized treatment plans
- Guide patients through therapeutic activities focused on daily living skills
- Support patients in improving motor skills, coordination, and cognitive function
- Monitor patient responses and report progress or concerns to therapists
- Prepare treatment areas and ensure therapy equipment is ready and safe
- Educate patients and caregivers on home exercises and adaptive strategies
- Document therapy sessions and patient outcomes accurately
- Assist patients with transfers, mobility, and use of adaptive equipment
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and infection control protocols
- Encourage and motivate patients throughout their rehabilitation journey
Requirements & Skills
- Associate degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
- Valid Occupational Therapy Assistant license or certification
- Proven experience as an OTA or in a rehabilitation setting (preferred)
- Strong understanding of occupational therapy techniques and activities
- Excellent communication, empathy, and patient-care skills
- Ability to assist patients with physical and functional activities
- Attention to detail and strong documentation skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with therapists and healthcare teams
Who do Occupational Therapy Assistants report to?
Occupational Therapy Assistants typically report to:
- Occupational Therapist
- Rehabilitation Manager
- Clinical Supervisor
- Director of Rehabilitation Services
Post this on job boards and career pages to find candidates skilled in therapeutic activities, patient care, and rehabilitation support. Feel free to customize duties and requirements based on your facility’s needs. Similar job titles include OTA, Occupational Therapy Aide, and Rehab Therapy Assistant.
How to Assess Occupational Therapy Assistant Skills Effectively
Candidates may list occupational therapy support experience on their resumes, but assessing their actual ability to assist with treatment plans, support daily living skills, and ensure patient safety before the interview is crucial. A structured Occupational Therapy Assistant assessment ensures you hire professionals who can deliver effective, patient-centered care under the guidance of licensed occupational therapists.
Here’s how you can assess Occupational Therapy Assistant proficiency effectively with WeCP:
- Therapeutic Activity Assistance – Test candidates on their ability to help patients perform prescribed exercises and activities that improve daily living skills.
- Patient Safety & Proper Techniques – Evaluate their understanding of safe transfer methods, adaptive equipment usage, and injury prevention.
- Equipment Setup & Environment Preparation – Assess their capability to prepare therapy spaces, organize materials, and maintain a safe treatment environment.
- Patient Interaction & Motivation – Check their ability to encourage patients, explain tasks clearly, and provide emotional support during therapy sessions.
- Documentation & Compliance – Ensure they can accurately record session details, follow care plans, and comply with healthcare regulations.
With WeCP’s Occupational Therapy Assistant assessments, you can efficiently filter out underqualified candidates, streamline hiring, and ensure high-quality hires who support effective rehabilitation and improved patient independence.
