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Occupational Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Occupational Therapist Assistant Explore opportunities with Commonwealth Healthcare at Home, a part of LHC Group, a leading post-acute care partner for hospitals, physicians and families nationwide.

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Occupational Assistant information

What is an occupational assistant?

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

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 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 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 does an occupational assistant do?

An occupational assistant supports occupational therapists by helping clients develop and improve daily living and work skills. They may assist with therapy activities, prepare materials, and monitor client progress, often working in healthcare or rehabilitation settings. Strong communication skills and knowledge of therapeutic techniques are important for this role.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Occupational Assistant jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Occupational Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Occupational Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

The Occupational Therapy Assistant reports to and receives general supervision from the Director of Rehabilitation; receives clinical supervision from the Occupational Therapist; and is responsible for providing occupational therapy services to assigned residents in compliance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines, and established policies and procedures to prevent avoidable physical and/or mental deterioration and to assist them in obtaining and maintaining their highest practicable level of functioning and psychosocial well-being.


Schedule: Full-time, Weekdays; Weekends, Days, 8 hour shifts


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist the Occupational Therapist in implementing treatment plans designed to help residents function independently.
  • Contribute to the screening, evaluation, and re-evaluation process by implementing delegated assessments and providing reports of observations and resident capacities to the Occupational Therapist.
  • Select therapy activities to fit resident's needs and capabilities. Alter treatment programs as necessary.
  • Monitor resident's performance in therapy activities and provide encouragement.
  • Observe and document resident's progress, attitudes and behavior. Report findings to the Occupational Therapist and/or the Director of Rehabilitation.
  • Contribute to the discontinuation or transition plan by providing information and documentation to the Occupational Therapist related to the resident's needs, goals, performance, and appropriate follow-up resources.
  • Instruct residents, families, and caregivers in home programs, basic living skills and the care and use of adaptive equipment.
  • Perform all duties in compliance with established safety and infection control policies and procedures.
  • Actively participate in fire, safety and disaster preparedness drills.
  • Maintain safe working conditions and practices and follow established safety regulations in the use of modalities, equipment and supplies, as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
  • Ensure all occupational therapy documentation conveys specific therapy provided and the resident's response or lack of response to the therapy provided.
  • Perform all therapy services in accordance with the individualized plan of care.
  • Honor the resident's refusal of treatment request. Document and promptly report such requests to the Director of Rehabilitation.
  • Record all entries on notes, charts, etc. in an informative and descriptive manner.
  • Use only authorized abbreviations established by the facility when recording information.
  • Properly document all therapy, responses to therapy, changes in condition, etc. in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Graduate of an associate-level or certificate-level occupational therapy program accredited by ACOTE or predecessor organizations.
  • Must have successfully completed a period of supervised fieldwork experience required by the recognized educational institution where the applicant met the academic requirements.
  • Must have passed all examinations for occupational therapy assistants.
  • Possess a current and unencumbered license, registration, or certification as required by law or regulation.
  • Abide by the AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics (AOTA, 2000);
  • Abide by the AOTA Standards for Continuing Competence (AOTA, 1999) by establishing, maintaining, and updating professional performance, knowledge, and skills.
  • Must posses a working knowledge of Occupational Therapy practices, including the ability to recall important and commonly used information in source documents, and an understanding of the application of the pertinent principles in this field.
  • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
  • Must maintain a current license at all times throughout employment
  • 1-2 years of experience in a Long Term Care Facility.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS:

  • Must possess adequate vision and hearing to perform essential job duties.
  • Must be able to safely lift, transfer, and assist patients as needed, several times per day.
  • Must be able to stand for extended periods of time and move freely throughout the facility, both in-doors and out-doors.
  • Must be able to carry objects to multiple locations, safely push wheelchairs and patient beds and reach above head level several times per day.
  • Must be able to perform tasks requiring mental reasoning, sequencing and discrimination.
  • Must be able to perform math calculations.

BENEFITS:

  • 401(k)
  • Percentage of 401(k) matched by company
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • HSA
  • FSA
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Discounts on auto, home, and pet insurance

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