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Occupational Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Occupational Therapy Assistant

East Lansing, MI ยท On-site

$25 - $33.50/hr

Occupational Therapy Assistant: Neuro Rehabilitation Make a real impact-help someone build independence while building a career, you're proud of. The Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides ...

Overview If you're a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) who wants to empower patients to achieve meaningful outcomes through compassionate and patient-centered therapy-this is it. In ...

A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) administers occupational therapy to patients on an intermittent bassi in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician ...

We are growing and looking for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to join the team. We want a COTA that believes in the benefits of occupational therapy and has a passion for what they do.

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Occupational Assistant information

What are some common challenges Occupational Assistants face when supporting clients in daily activities?

Occupational Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting activities to meet varying client abilities, managing time effectively during sessions, and keeping clients motivated throughout their rehabilitation. They must collaborate closely with Occupational Therapists to tailor interventions and document progress accurately. Flexibility, patience, and strong communication skills are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring positive outcomes for clients.

What are Occupational Assistants?

Occupational Assistants, often referred to as Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTAs), support occupational therapists in helping patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. They work with individuals who have physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, guiding them through therapeutic activities and exercises. Occupational Assistants also help document patient progress and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best patient care. Their work is crucial in helping people achieve greater independence and quality of life.

What is the difference between Occupational Assistant vs Occupational Therapist?

AspectOccupational AssistantOccupational Therapist
CredentialsTypically requires a certificate or diploma in occupational therapy assistingRequires a master's degree in occupational therapy and licensure
Work EnvironmentAssist in clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers under supervisionProvide direct patient care, assessments, and treatment planning
Job ResponsibilitiesSupport therapists, prepare treatment areas, and assist patients with exercisesEvaluate patient needs, develop treatment plans, and oversee therapy sessions

Occupational Assistants work closely with Occupational Therapists, providing essential support in healthcare settings. While both roles involve helping patients improve daily functioning, Occupational Assistants focus on assisting and supporting therapists, whereas Occupational Therapists lead assessments and treatment planning. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job fit within healthcare teams.

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

To thrive as an Occupational Assistant, you need a background in health or social care, basic knowledge of occupational therapy principles, and often a relevant certification or diploma. Familiarity with assistive technology, mobility aids, and electronic record management systems is important. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to motivate and support clients are essential soft skills. These competencies enable Occupational Assistants to effectively support occupational therapists, enhance patient independence, and improve quality of care.
What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Occupational jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Occupational Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Occupational Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Occupational Assistant job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Memorial Healthcare

Owosso, MI โ€ข On-site

$25.50 - $34.25/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY
A Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) administers occupational therapy to patients on an intermittent basis in their place of residence. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Registered Occupational Therapist (OT). Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
  1. Understands and adheres to established Agency policies and procedures.
  2. Provides physician prescribed physical therapy under a plan of care established by the PT.
  3. Improves or minimizes residual physical disabilities of the patient.
  4. Returns the individual to optimum and productive level within the patient's capabilities.
  5. Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
  6. Performs all skill procedures as ordered by physician and according to the plan of care established by the OT.
  7. Makes recommendations regarding the plan of care as indicated by patient/family needs.
  8. Maintains order visit frequency.
  9. Consults with OT regarding change in treatment.
  10. Instructs patients and family members in home programs and activities of daily living.
  11. Participates in in-service programs and presents in-service programs as assigned.
  12. Participates in performance improvement activities as assigned.
  13. Attends all patient care conferences as scheduled.
  14. Maintains accurate records as required and documents all necessary information in clinical records in a timely manner.
  15. Documents assessments, interventions, and response to interventions indicating patient progress toward goals accurately and concisely.
  16. Accurately documents visit times and mileage in computer.
  17. Participates in educating the patient and family.
  18. Observes proper chain of command.
  19. Manages time effectively and maintains productivity.
  20. Able to speak knowledgeably of the scope of services that are available through the home care organization.
  21. Accepts responsibility for own continuing educational needs.
  22. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Other duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
EDUCATION
  1. Graduate from an Occupational Assistant Education Program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
  2. Currently licensed in Michigan.

EXPERIENCE
  1. Previous home care experience preferred.
  2. Two (2) years of experience, preferred

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS
These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.
  1. Sedentary Work: Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch. On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend. Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs. May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
  2. Vision: Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye. Near acuity: Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less. Midrange Acuity: Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
  3. Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
  4. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES
  1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipmentas used by Memorial Healthcare.
  2. Ability to perform manual therapy techniques and operate treatment/assessment equipment.
  3. Fine motor skills to apply taping, braces, etc.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES
  1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
  2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.
  3. Ability to interpret assessment results, follows the developed treatment plan, and evaluates patient's response to treatment.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
  1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
  2. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
  3. Ability to visually and auditory monitor treatment and patient's response to treatment.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
  1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
  2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
  3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
  4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
  5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.