Occupational Therapy Aide

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Job Description

 

Occupational therapy aides work under close supervision of an occupational therapist or occupational therapy assistant to perform only delegated, selected, and routine tasks in specific situations.

These duties include preparing patient and treatment room. An occupational therapy aide is typically responsible for preparing materials and assembling equipment used during treatments.

They are also responsible for a wide variety of clerical duties.

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Responsibilities

 

Occupational Therapy Aides perform clerical duties along with tasks appointed to them by their supervisors. Their duties include:

  • Preparing patients

  • Preparing treatment areas

  • Appointment scheduling

  • Answering the telephone

  • Ordering depleted supplies

  • Restocking new supplies

  • Completing insurance forms and other paperwork

OT aides are not licensed so, by law, they are not allowed to perform a wide range of tasks that are open to occupational therapy assistants.

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Skills

 

Physical Endurance

Must be able to be physical for many hours to help their supervisors as needed. They must be able to bend, twist, lift, crouch, kneel, push/pull.

Emotional Stability

Must be able to handle the emotional stress of working with impaired patients in need of compassionate health care.

Multitasking

The ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Interpersonal

Must be able to interact with supervisors and other medical professionals to complete tasks in a timely and effective manner.

Communication

Must be able to clearly convey thoughts and ideas to interact with supervisors and patients to effectively complete tasks.

Empathy

Must be compassionate and able to empathize with a patient's pain and other difficulties.

Dexterity

Must work well with your hands and be nimble.

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Working Conditions

 

The typical variable work schedules of occupational therapy aides may include evening and weekend hours.

This will depend on the facility in which they are employed and whether they are a full-time or part-time employee.

Many health care facilities and outpatient therapy centers offer weekend and evening appointments to help accommodate patients’ personal schedules.

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Salary Outlook

Occupational Therapy Aide Salary
$20,750 25th Percentile
$26,550 50th Percentile
$33,030 75th Percentile
$9.98 Hourly
$12.76 Hourly
$15.88 Hourly
Estimated Annual Salary Average Hourly Wage Positions Nationwide
$29,040.00 $13.96 9,000