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Temporary Occupational Therapy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

West Virginia University Health System

$30.93/hr

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE: 1. Current or temporary Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure as required by the state where services will be performed: MD: Occupational Therapy ...

WVU Medicine

Occupational Therapist

Princeton, WV · On-site

$39 - $51.25/hr

... Temporary License through Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice OH: Occupational Therapist through the Ohio Board of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training PA:

WVU Medicine

Occupational Therapist

Princeton, WV · On-site

$39 - $51.25/hr

... Temporary License through Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice OH: Occupational Therapist through the Ohio Board of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training PA:

WVU Medicine

Occupational Therapist

Parkersburg, WV · On-site

$39.50 - $52/hr

... Temporary License through Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice OH: Occupational Therapist through the Ohio Board of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training PA:

WVU Medicine

Occupational Therapist

Princeton, WV · On-site

$39 - $51.25/hr

... Temporary License through Maryland Board of Occupational Therapy Practice OH: Occupational Therapist through the Ohio Board of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training PA:

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Temporary Occupational Therapy information

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$17

$32

$46

How much do temporary occupational therapy jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary occupational therapy in the United States is $32.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some unique challenges faced by temporary occupational therapists, and how can they best adapt to new workplaces?

Temporary occupational therapists often encounter the challenge of quickly adapting to different clinical settings, patient populations, and team dynamics. They may need to familiarize themselves rapidly with new documentation systems, protocols, and organizational cultures. To succeed, it's important to remain flexible, proactive in communication, and open to feedback. Building rapport with permanent staff and seeking mentorship when possible can also ease transitions and ensure consistent, high-quality patient care.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Occupational Therapist, you need a degree in occupational therapy, state licensure, and strong clinical assessment and intervention planning skills. Familiarity with therapy documentation software, adaptive equipment, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Excellent communication, flexibility, and problem-solving skills help you quickly adapt to new environments and build rapport with patients and teams. These abilities ensure effective patient care and smooth integration into different healthcare settings during short-term assignments.

What is the difference between Temporary Occupational Therapy vs Permanent Occupational Therapy?

AspectTemporary Occupational TherapyPermanent Occupational Therapy
CredentialsRequires OT license and possibly temporary certificationRequires OT license and full certification
Work EnvironmentShort-term assignments in clinics, schools, or hospitalsLong-term employment in similar settings
Employment DurationTypically weeks to monthsIndefinite, ongoing employment
Employer UsageUsed for staffing shortages or project-based needsUsed for stable, ongoing positions

Temporary Occupational Therapy involves short-term assignments to meet immediate staffing needs, while Permanent Occupational Therapy offers ongoing employment stability. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in duration and purpose.

What is a Temporary Occupational Therapist?

A Temporary Occupational Therapist is a licensed professional who provides occupational therapy services for a limited period, often to cover staff shortages, leaves of absence, or increased patient demand. These therapists assess and assist individuals in developing, recovering, or maintaining daily living and work skills. Temporary roles may be found in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practices. Assignments can vary in length but typically last from a few weeks to several months. Temporary Occupational Therapists must meet the same qualifications and licensure requirements as permanent staff.
More about Temporary Occupational Therapy jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Occupational Therapy jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Occupational Therapy job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy jobs? The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Occupational Therapy jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Occupational Therapy jobs include:
Temporary Occupational Therapy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Occupational Therapy job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,531 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Temporary Occupational Therapist

Temporary Occupational Therapist

Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL • On-site

$41.50 - $54.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 320,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 44,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.
Job Summary:
Under the IDEA an occupational therapist provides services to a student within their least restrictive environment to help each student benefit from his or her special education program. Occupational therapy services address performance within an educational context, including classroom lessons and activities, self-help skills, prevocational and vocational activities, play and leisure, and social skills. Outcomes are directed toward improved student participation in the general education curriculum, access to the school environment, and participation in extracurricular activities.
The OT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. OTs interpret assessment findings and appropriately communicate information to parents and school teams through written and oral means. The OT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students' unique needs.
The temporary Occupational Therapist will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:
  • Improving manipulative skills for self-care and paper/pencil tasks through reach, grasp and dexterity
  • Enhancing school transitions and participation in educational activities by providing environmental accommodations
  • Enhancing comfort, participation and attending by maintaining functional postures
  • Increasing functional use of hands and visual regard by providing stable positions
  • Ensuring independence in feeding for safety and nourishment
  • Facilitating safety in the school environment by decreasing the possibility of injury to student's self or others as he/she moves or performs skills/tasks
  • Improving success for small muscle school tasks by increasing coordination of eye-hand movements
  • Facilitating access to and mobility within school by assessing and changing the environment
  • Increasing functional use of extremities through use of adapted equipment
  • Enhancing ability to learn through sensorimotor activities that address motor planning, attending and behavior issues
  • Promoting competency and safety of educational staff in body mechanics, handling techniques, motor skills and classroom adaptations
  • Facilitating student's independence through access to assistive technology

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the temporary Occupational Therapist must possess the following qualifications:
Education Required:
  • Bachelor, Master, or Doctoral degree in occupational therapy from an accredited occupational therapy program as approved by the AOTA
  • The OT must pass the National Board Certification for Occupational Therapy. OT must hold a current and active Illinois license to practice as issued by the IL Department of Professional Regulations. This license must be renewed every two years upon payment on or before December 31st of given renewal year. In addition, the IL OT practice act mandates 24 hours of continuing education per license renewal cycle.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • OT evaluates students through skilled professional observation, therapeutic handling, record review, and parent, student, and teacher interviews. OTs interprets assessment findings and appropriately communicates information to parents and school teams through written and oral means.
  • The OT collaborates with the school team to develop Individualized Education Programs and Section 504 Plans to address the students' unique needs using evidence based practices
  • Develops and implements individualized OT intervention strategies
  • Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding effective coordination of services.
  • Collaborates with student, school team members, parents, community agencies, administrators, and physicians regarding transition from school to community, preparing student to function independently when outlined outcomes are achieved
  • Documents all OT services provided within a timely manner as outlined by the Office of Diverse Learner Supports and Services. Evaluates and documents student progress in accordance with the ILOTA as well as school district, State and Federal policies.
  • Addresses personal care, student role, interaction skills, process skills, play, community integration/work, graphic communication, needs for assistive technology, accessibility, environmental accommodations as required to access their educational environment through collaboration and participation with school staff
  • Seeks regular opportunities for professional growth
  • Participates in clinical educational opportunities for students of occupational therapy
  • Adheres to professional, ethical and legal standards of practice as defined by the American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Provides direct supervision of occupational therapy assistants in accordance with Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act

Conditions of Employment
As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
  • Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency -Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

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