Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand across hospital systems, skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and outpatient rehabilitation clinics serving patients at every level from entry-level OTA to senior clinician. Chicago, Rockford, and the Springfield metro anchor most of the hiring, with large employers such as Advocate Health Care, Ascension Illinois, and Kindred Healthcare maintaining steady OTA rosters across the state. Pediatric rehabilitation, geriatric care, and hand therapy are among the most sought-after specialties in current Illinois listings. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 144+ Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs
HealthPro Heritage has a great COTA Opportunity in Buffalo Grove, IL in the Senior Living Setting. Join an exceptional rehab team in a warm and welcoming senior living community that provides personalized Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Short-Term Stay services.
- Wage Range: $34- $39 per hour
- Per Diem hours offer flexibility
Why Choose HealthPro Heritage?
- Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to compassionate care and innovative therapy solutions.
- Growth Opportunities: Enjoy continuous learning and development opportunities tailored to support your professional growth.
- Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a supportive environment where teamwork, respect, and open communication are at the heart of everything we do.
- Commitment to Excellence: Join a team recognized for clinical expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality care and outcomes.
- Competitive Benefits Package: Enjoy competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package designed with YOU in mind!
Join Us in Making a Difference
At HealthPro Heritage, we offer a fulfilling career where you can positively impact lives and achieve personal and professional growth. As a therapist-led, diverse organization, we provide clinical services across various settings, including nursing facilities, retirement communities, hospitals, home care, schools and clinics. Join us to be part of a team that values your skills, listens to your input, and makes a meaningful difference in the community.
Responsibilities:- Patient Care & Treatment Implementation: Assist in delivering individualized therapy based on treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist, including activities to improve daily living skills (e.g., dressing, eating, mobility).
- Progress Monitoring & Documentation: Track and document patient progress, maintaining accurate records in compliance with facility policies, and report changes or concerns to the Occupational Therapist.
- Collaboration & Patient Education: Work with interdisciplinary teams (e.g., PT, OT, nursing) to provide holistic care, and educate patients and families on therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment, and strategies for independence.
- Therapeutic Activities & Support: Lead or assist patients with exercises, activities of daily living, and other therapeutic tasks, while creating a positive and supportive environment to encourage patient engagement.
- Education: Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program from an accredited school.
- Certification: Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Licensure: Current state licensure (or eligibility) to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
- Experience: Previous experience in an occupational therapy setting (hospital, clinic, school, etc.) is preferred, but new graduates are also encouraged to apply.
HealthPRO Heritage and its subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HealthPRO Heritage and its subsidiaries comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
HealthPro Heritage has a great COTA Opportunity in Buffalo Grove, IL in the Senior Living Setting. Join an exceptional rehab team in a warm and welcoming senior living community that provides personalized Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Short-Term Stay services.
- Wage Range: $34- $39 per hour
- Per Diem hours offer flexibility
Why Choose HealthPro Heritage?
- Purpose-Driven Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to compassionate care and innovative therapy solutions.
- Growth Opportunities: Enjoy continuous learning and development opportunities tailored to support your professional growth.
- Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a supportive environment where teamwork, respect, and open communication are at the heart of everything we do.
- Commitment to Excellence: Join a team recognized for clinical expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality care and outcomes.
- Competitive Benefits Package: Enjoy competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package designed with YOU in mind!
Join Us in Making a Difference
At HealthPro Heritage, we offer a fulfilling career where you can positively impact lives and achieve personal and professional growth. As a therapist-led, diverse organization, we provide clinical services across various settings, including nursing facilities, retirement communities, hospitals, home care, schools and clinics. Join us to be part of a team that values your skills, listens to your input, and makes a meaningful difference in the community.
Responsibilities:- Patient Care & Treatment Implementation: Assist in delivering individualized therapy based on treatment plans developed by the Occupational Therapist, including activities to improve daily living skills (e.g., dressing, eating, mobility).
- Progress Monitoring & Documentation: Track and document patient progress, maintaining accurate records in compliance with facility policies, and report changes or concerns to the Occupational Therapist.
- Collaboration & Patient Education: Work with interdisciplinary teams (e.g., PT, OT, nursing) to provide holistic care, and educate patients and families on therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment, and strategies for independence.
- Therapeutic Activities & Support: Lead or assist patients with exercises, activities of daily living, and other therapeutic tasks, while creating a positive and supportive environment to encourage patient engagement.
- Education: Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program from an accredited school.
- Certification: Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
- Licensure: Current state licensure (or eligibility) to practice as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant.
- Experience: Previous experience in an occupational therapy setting (hospital, clinic, school, etc.) is preferred, but new graduates are also encouraged to apply.
HealthPRO Heritage and its subsidiaries provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, HealthPRO Heritage and its subsidiaries comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
See All 144+ Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsOccupational Therapy Assistant Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Renewal Rehab50
- Enhance Rehabilitation32
- EmpowerMe Wellness6
- Genesis Orthopedics & Sports Medicine6
- Symbria5
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in occupational therapy assistant jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois Occupational Therapy Assistant license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Associate degree in occupational therapy assistant from an accredited ACOTE program
- Current NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant credential in good standing
- CPR and Basic Life Support certification required prior to clinical placement
- Demonstrated experience with electronic health records systems such as Epic or Therapy Source
- Ability to complete required continuing education hours for Illinois license renewal
Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a occupational therapy assistant in Illinois?
You must earn an associate degree from an occupational therapy assistant program accredited by ACOTE, pass the NBCOT Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant examination, and then apply for licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Illinois requires a state-issued OTA license before you can practice. Once licensed, you must complete continuing education hours during each renewal cycle to keep your Illinois license active.
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Illinois?
Occupational therapy assistants in Illinois earn a median of about $64,120 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $47,830 for the lowest 10% to over $80,150 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire occupational therapy assistants in Illinois?
Employers hiring occupational therapy assistants in Illinois right now include Renewal Rehab, Enhance Rehabilitation, and EmpowerMe Wellness, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's large integrated health systems, long-term care networks, and public school districts generate consistent OTA openings across the state throughout the year.
Which Illinois cities have the most occupational therapy assistant jobs?
Chicago, Waukegan, and Saint Charles have the most occupational therapy assistant openings in Illinois. Chicago drives the largest share of demand given its concentration of major hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, and school districts, while cities like Rockford and Peoria reflect strong regional health networks and aging populations that sustain steady OTA hiring outside the metro core.
Are there remote occupational therapy assistant jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're rare. Occupational therapy assistants deliver hands-on patient care, so the role is primarily on-site by nature. About 64% of occupational therapy assistant openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions typically involve documentation, care coordination, or telehealth-based home program support rather than direct treatment.
How can I get hired as a occupational therapy assistant in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for new-graduate positions at Illinois hospital systems and skilled nursing facilities, many of which offer structured clinical mentorship during the first year of practice. Advocate Health Care and Ascension Illinois both hire new OTAs into supervised roles at multiple sites. Completing fieldwork rotations at Illinois facilities, earning your NBCOT credential before your start date, and gaining any hands-on experience as a rehab aide or therapy technician at a licensed facility all strengthen an application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to occupational therapy assistant jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to occupational therapy assistant jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings from employers actively hiring. Search the listings, find roles that match your credentials and location, and apply directly without any extra steps.
See All 144+ Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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