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Assistant Occupational Therapist Jobs in Decatur, AL

W3Global Inc.

Occupational Therapist

Athens, AL

$38 - $55/hr

Collaborate with Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) to oversee treatment plans and patient progress. * Implement therapeutic interventions to improve daily living skills, functional independence ...

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Assistant Occupational Therapist information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$16

$27

$43

How much do assistant occupational therapist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant occupational therapist in Decatur, AL is $27.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Assistant Occupational Therapist vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectAssistant Occupational TherapistOccupational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a diploma or associate degree, supervised practiceRequires a bachelor's or master's degree in occupational therapy, licensure
Work EnvironmentAssists in therapy sessions, supports OT professionals in clinics, hospitals, schoolsConducts assessments, develops treatment plans, works independently with clients
Job ResponsibilitiesSupports OT activities, prepares materials, observes clientsPerforms evaluations, creates therapy programs, monitors progress

The main difference between an Assistant Occupational Therapist and an Occupational Therapist lies in their level of education, responsibilities, and independence. Assistants support therapists under supervision, while licensed occupational therapists independently assess and treat clients. Both roles are essential in healthcare and rehabilitation settings, but occupational therapists hold advanced credentials and greater responsibility.

What are Assistant Occupational Therapists?

Assistant Occupational Therapists, often called Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs), are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of licensed Occupational Therapists to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They assist in implementing treatment plans, guiding patients through therapeutic activities, and monitoring their progress. OTAs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and nursing facilities, supporting individuals of all ages who face physical, developmental, or emotional challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Occupational Therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Occupational Therapist, you need a solid understanding of therapeutic techniques, anatomy, and patient care principles, generally supported by a relevant associate degree and state certification or licensure. Familiarity with adaptive equipment, therapy documentation software, and standardized assessment tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate and communicate effectively with patients and healthcare teams set outstanding assistants apart. These skills and qualities are vital to support patient progress, maintain accurate records, and ensure effective collaboration within rehabilitation settings.

Who gets paid more, OTA or PTA?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs) generally earn higher salaries than Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), as OTAs often have additional responsibilities and may require different certifications. Salary differences can vary based on location, experience, and work setting, but OTAs tend to have a higher median pay in the healthcare field.

What are some common challenges Assistant Occupational Therapists face when supporting clients in diverse settings?

Assistant Occupational Therapists often work with clients from varied backgrounds and with different levels of ability, which can present challenges in adapting therapeutic activities to meet individual needs. Balancing administrative tasks, such as maintaining accurate documentation, with hands-on client care is also a frequent challenge. Additionally, assistants must effectively communicate and collaborate with supervising occupational therapists, families, and other healthcare professionals to ensure cohesive care plans and positive client outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapist jobs in Decatur, AL? The most popular types of Occupational Therapist jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs in Decatur, AL look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs in Decatur, AL are:
What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Assistant Occupational Therapist job openings:
Assistant Occupational Therapist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Occupational Therapist job openings in Decatur, AL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,645 per year, or $27.7 per hour.
Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Encore Rehabilitation, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$39.75 - $52.25/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Openings >> Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Summary
Title: Occupational Therapist ID: 9390 Location: Huntsville, AL Department: 14-OTR Status: PRN
Description
Occupational Therapist
Job Description/Summary
PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Registered Occupational Therapist's job will be to provide rehabilitation therapy to patients of all ages with temporary or chronic physical and mental disability. This will be done through purposeful activity that will include manual and creative skills, educational and recreational activities, facilitation techniques, developmental skills and various other techniques as applicable to the specific needs of the acutely and chronically ill.  Treatment of patients will be to improve the patient's physical function and promote mental adjustment.
PERFORMANCE REOUIREMENTS
1. Direct patient treatments.
2. Safety of the patient while he/she is in the Occupational Therapy Department.
3. Organization and proper order of the Occupational Therapy treatment area.
4. Maintaining departmental and patient records.
5. Monitoring the supplies used for extended care, physical disabilities and stress management patients.
6. Charting daily progress of patients.
Physical Demands/Conditions: Bending, stooping, lifting patients and equipment when necessary. Pushing patients in wheelchairs and on stretchers. Adjusting equipment to meet the specific needs of the patient treatment. Giving resistive exercise. Physical contact with patients is sometimes necessary in treatment. Being alert and attentive to perceive reactions that patients may have to treatment. Ability to work under pressure and/or stress on occasion. Operation of electrical equipment.
Special Demands: Desire to work with and for people with temporary and/or chronic mental, physical, or developmental disabilities. Knowledge of medical terminology is needed to understand patient evaluation and to chart patient progress satisfactorily. Knowledge of and experience in various arts and crafts that can be utilized by patients to build strength and promote function in upper and lower extremities as well as enhance one's self-esteem and independence. Good common sense and ability to reason are needed to organize activities and use available supplies to subordinate treatment programs. An attitude of firm kindness in dealing with patients is necessary. Must be able to hold in confidence all matters of a personal nature regarding the patient and/or his family coming to his or her knowledge and to disclose such information only when it is in the best interest of the patient. Ability to be versatile in dealing with a variety of patients and treatment programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION: The Registered Occupational Therapist has satisfactorily completed an Occupational Therapy curriculum approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Must be licensed or eligible for licensure by the Alabama Board of Occupational Therapy and certified by the American Board of Certification.
EXPERIENCE: When educational requirements are met, no previous experience is necessary, but would be desirable.
WORK PERFORMED
Authority:  The Registered Occupational Therapist gives treatment only on written or verbal procedures as prescribed by a medical doctor or D.O.
PRIMARY DUTIES
1. Evaluate patients referred to Occupational Therapy to determine their current physical and functional status and assess their potential benefit from Occupational Therapy Services.
2. Plan Therapy Programs for:
    a. Individual in-patients.
    b. Individual out-patients.
    c.  Extended Care Center Patients and Group.
    d. Stress management patients.
3. Evaluates, records, and reports patients progress for review by other members of the rehabilitation team.
4. Prepare and fit splints for functional upper and lower extremities as ordered.
5. Requisitions supplies and equipment.
6. Provides a safe Occupational Therapy Department.
7. Provides for economic use of hospital equipment and supplies.
8. Performs related duties as assigned.
GENERAL
SOURCE OF WORKERS:  From schools of Occupational Therapy and from classified ads in professional publications.
SUPERVISED BY: Clinical Director
WORKERS SUPERVISED:  Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, Occupational Therapy Aide, Students of Occupational Therapy, Volunteers and Attendants.
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