SUMMER Occupational Therapy Graduate Assistant

SUMMER Occupational Therapy Graduate Assistant

Chatham University

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$25.25 - $34/hr

Part-time

Posted 6 hours ago


Chatham University rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

We value our students! If you see an open position that is right for you, we encourage you to apply!
OT Graduate Assistant Position Responsibilities:
This position is for Summer 2026.
Develop/maintain an inventory of OT equipment; notify faculty of low inventory and needed repairs. Complete literature searches and retrieve articles for faculty research. Complete data entry and analysis for faculty research projects. Assist with set-up and clean-up of labs (Hydrocollator maintenance, modalities, and other related tasks), including open lab sessions. Compile and organize data from program surveys. Assist with accreditation research as requested. Create and maintain current content on OT bulletin boards. Maintain organization and cleanliness of the OT classroom, lab, apartment, and storage areas. Assist with course preparation, faculty projects, and other instructional or scholarly activities as needed. Participate in admissions events, including tabling, orientation, and prospective student interviews as requested. Support departmental communications and marketing through bulletin boards, social media, newsletter content, and event materials. Submit weekly email updates to faculty detailing hours worked and tasks completed. Meet weekly with the Program Assistant or other designated team member to review task completion, hours, and prioritization of tasks. Complete other duties as assigned by OT team.
Student Learning Outcomes
The student will:
Demonstrate effective organizational and administrative skills by managing OT equipment inventory, maintaining department spaces, and supporting lab operations. Support faculty research and program evaluation through literature searches, data entry and analysis, and compilation of survey and accreditation data. Develop professional communication skills by preparing weekly faculty updates, contributing to department newsletters, and creating content for bulletin boards and social media. Enhance knowledge of academic program operations by assisting with tasks related to accreditation, licensure research, and course or scholarship support. Engage in student recruitment and outreach efforts by participating in admissions events, student interviews, and orientation activities. Exhibit professionalism and adaptability by completing assigned tasks independently, managing time effectively, and responding to evolving departmental needs.
Specific skills/qualifications required for this position:
Reading skills, basic written communication skills, interpersonal skills, proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Adobe
All current student employees should notify their other manager(s) if you work multiple jobs on campus at the same time. Additionally, students may not work more than 20 hours per week (combined between all campus jobs) during the academic year. Students may not exceed 980 work hours per calendar year.
Student jobs do not automatically roll over to the next academic year or summer.
Chatham University strives to promote a campus environment that understands and embraces multiculturalism while increasing individuals' intercultural competence. We actively work to build and sustain a diverse and culturally vibrant campus, which promotes employee and student success and retention.
Chatham University is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Chatham University does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, reproductive health decisions, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital or family status, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.



Frequently asked questions

Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A: To succeed as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), one must possess core technical skills such as knowledge of occupational therapy principles, assessment and treatment planning, and assistive technology. Additionally, soft skills like effective communication, empathy, and adaptability are crucial for building strong relationships with clients, families, and healthcare teams. By combining these technical and interpersonal strengths, OTAs can provide high-quality support and contribute to the success of occupational therapy programs, ultimately supporting career growth and effectiveness in the role.

Q: What is the career path for a Occupational Therapy Assistant?

A: A typical career progression for an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) involves starting as an entry-level OTA, assisting licensed occupational therapists in patient care and treatment planning, and then advancing to mid-level roles such as a Senior OTA or OTA Team Lead, where they oversee daily operations and mentor junior staff. As they gain experience, OTAs can develop skills in areas like program development, staff training, and community outreach, leading to senior roles like an OTA Program Manager or Clinical Specialist. Long-term, OTAs may pursue advanced degrees to become occupational therapists, or transition into leadership or education roles, such as a Director of Rehabilitation Services or an Occupational Therapy Professor.



Chatham University job posting for a SUMMER Occupational Therapy Graduate Assistant in Pittsburgh, PA with a salary of $25 to $34 Hourly with a map of Pittsburgh location.