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Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructor Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructor information

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$17

$33

$48

How much do assistant occupational therapy instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant occupational therapy instructor in Chicago, IL is $33.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.22 and $37.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant occupational therapy instructor?

Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructors are educational professionals who support lead instructors in teaching students about occupational therapy principles and practices. They assist with classroom instruction, supervise clinical or lab activities, and help develop course materials. Their role is essential in ensuring students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in occupational therapy programs. They may also participate in grading, mentoring students, and staying updated with current occupational therapy standards.

What are the common challenges faced by an assistant occupational therapy instructor when supporting students during practical sessions?

Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructors often face the challenge of balancing guidance with allowing students to develop independent clinical reasoning skills. They must adapt their teaching style to accommodate diverse learning needs and skill levels within the group. Additionally, managing time effectively during hands-on activities and providing timely, constructive feedback are crucial to ensure students' growth and confidence. Collaboration with lead instructors and clinical supervisors is also essential to maintain consistency in teaching and assessment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant occupational therapy instructor?

To thrive as an Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructor, you need a solid background in occupational therapy, often with a relevant degree and clinical experience. Familiarity with teaching platforms, therapy assessment tools, and documentation software is typically required. Strong communication, organizational skills, and the ability to motivate and mentor students are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective instruction, foster student engagement, and uphold educational and professional standards within occupational therapy programs.

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

AspectAssistant Occupational Therapy InstructorOccupational Therapist
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree, certification as an assistantMaster's degree in Occupational Therapy, state licensure
Work EnvironmentEducational settings, clinical labs, supervised environmentsHospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers, schools
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, training programsHealthcare facilities, private practices

The Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructor typically supports educational activities and assists in training students, requiring less advanced credentials. In contrast, an Occupational Therapist provides direct patient care, requiring a master's degree and licensure. Both roles are integral to occupational therapy education and practice, but they differ significantly in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapy Instructor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructor job openings:

Assistant Occupational Therapy Instructor jobs near you

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Home Health Registry

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

Lemont, IL • On-site

$38/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Northwestern Medicine rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 390 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

130th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Flex reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
  • The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) assists in the practice of occupational therapy under the supervision of a Registered Occupational Therapist.
  • The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant implements safe and effective occupational therapy services including the evaluation of functional performance ability of persons impaired by physical illness or injury, congenital or developmental disability and/or the aging process in collaboration/under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.
  • The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant implements goal directed interventions for the treatment or prevention of these impairments/functional limitations to achieve maximum independence.

Responsibilities:
  • Demonstrates the four NM values of teamwork, patients first, integrity, and excellence in daily work and interactions.
  • Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
  • Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers. Addresses questions and concerns promptly or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so. Provides directions to help patients and customers with finding their way.
  • Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
  • Follows plan of care set by OT
  • Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments. Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contributions of others.
  • Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
  • Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
  • Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
  • Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
  • Demonstrates creative problem solving and diversity when adapting the treatment to special circumstances as evidence by team feedback and documentation.
  • Completes daily notes that reflect patient's response to treatment, actual performance, and an assessment as to status, relevant to the treatment plan and eventual discharge needs as evidenced by chart review, meeting all documentation requirements (e.g., allows other therapists to continue treatment, allows for interpretation by payers, supports reimbursement).
  • In collaboration with OTR, interprets evaluation results to identify patient strengths and major deficient areas and establishes functional, measurable goals in accordance with patient's level of function, age, length of stay and discharge disposition.
  • Assists in the appropriate selection, application and modification of treatment intervention to insure achievement of treatment goals.
  • Provides occupational therapy interventions; provides patient and family teaching and works cooperatively with other patient team personnel.
  • Collaborates with the Occupational Therapist to terminate services when maximum benefit is received. The Occupational Therapist completes a comprehensive discharge plan based on age, diagnosis, support, cultural background, physical and cognitive strengths and limitations.
  • Makes appropriate and judicious use of doubled group and/or joint treatment sessions.
  • Maintains productivity standards per department expectations.
  • Maintains treatment area, equipment and supply inventory.
  • Communicates effectively with patients and care givers at levels appropriate to their age, cognitive status and language abilities.
  • Works to develop and maintain professional relationships with members of healthcare teams (ex: physician, nurse, case manager). Participates in internal and external marketing per department expectations
  • Participates in patient-related conferences, professional, and organization meetings per department expectations.
  • Actively participates in student clinical or observation programs by serving as a clinical instructor, mentor, or observation host as per department expectations
  • Seeks and provides education/instruction to facilitate professional growth.
  • Assists in performance improvement and supports development activities.
  • Contributes to cost effectiveness of services and programs provided by the department.
  • Communicates suggestions related to opportunities for improvement and maintaining positive relations with all customers.
  • Identifies professional strengths, areas of refinement and assumes responsibility for professional growth.
  • Participates in continuing education opportunities offered.
  • Rotates services assigned based on census at home/program site.
  • Complies with and adjusts to policy and procedure changes.
  • Maintains knowledge of policies concerning precautions, codes, conditions, warnings and general safety procedures.
  • Demonstrates willingness to flex schedule or assignment to meet patient care needs, staff meetings, and department specific meetings outside normal work hours

Qualifications
Required:
  • Associate degree: Degree from an Occupational Therapy Assistant program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
  • License in Occupational Therapy in the state of Illinois
  • BLS from American Heart Association within 90 days of hire

Preferred:
  • Two to three years of previous work experience delivering occupational therapy services under the supervision of an OTR in a program and similar environment is preferred. New graduates may be considered if clinical experience is applicable and supervision by an experienced OT Practitioner is available.

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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