OPT Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs
Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs on OPT require active NBCOT certification and state licensure, which most employers verify before extending an offer. STEM OPT extension does not apply to OTA roles, so your 12-month standard OPT window is what you have to work with from day one.
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Get Access To All JobsCertified Occupational Therapy Assistant - Weekends Only
Looking for meaningful weekend work where you can make a real difference? Join TriHealth as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and help patients regain independence and confidence during their recovery journey. You'll work alongside a supportive rehab team, make a direct impact on patient outcomes, and enjoy the flexibility of a weekend-only schedule.
Location: 375 Dixmyth Ave Fl 10, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Work Schedule: Weekends Only
Incentives & Benefits:
In addition to a comprehensive benefits package—including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement—this role offers competitive pay based on education level and experience. Please view our benefits page.
Job Requirements:
- Graduate of an approved technical, professional, or vocational program (Required)
- Up to 1 year experience field-work (Required)
- Ability to conduct assessment directed by a Registered, Occupational Therapist and assist in the formulation and implementation of relevant OT interventions
- BLS for Healthcare Providers Required
- Other COTA - Occupational Therapy Assistant – Certified Required
Job Overview:
Under the direct clinical supervision of a Licensed, Registered Occupational Therapist - OTR/L, but must frequently exercise own judgment and knowledge. This position involves direct patient services, such as contributing to the evaluation process and carrying out prescribed treatment. The position will be treating patients on two psychiatric units in either group or individual settings. This position is also involved in supportive activities, such as inventory control, in-service education, and general department maintenance. The employee will attend select meetings for the division and/or department. Other position responsibilities include communication and coordination of occupational therapy treatment programs with the patient and team members, and those in this position must be trained to provide occupational therapy assessment and treatment for patients of all ages with additional education and experience focused on psychosocial rehabilitation and care of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Job Responsibilities:
- Contributes to department/center program development through involvement in continuous improvement, special projects, or program coordinator. Contributes to the department through presenting and implementing new treatment technique/procedure, group treatment idea, request for new equipment, team participation, and other areas approved by management.
- Furthers knowledge base, technical skills, treatment techniques, and professional development by attending continuing education offerings, independent reading, hands-on practice, individual training sessions, etc. Areas could also include: special interest groups, district meetings, post-graduate work, seminars, or other professional activities.
- Maintains all required documentation within time frames and guidelines established by the department.
- Maintains established departmental productivity levels and manages time effectively.
- Provides comprehensive and functionally based treatment to clients of varying/broad diagnosis with consideration of age, educational level, and psychosocial disposition. This also includes: client/family education and training, equipment needs, referral to other programs and community resources.
Working Conditions:
- Climbing - Rarely
- Hearing: Conversation - Frequently
- Hearing: Other Sounds - Frequently
- Kneeling - Rarely
- Lifting <10 Lbs. -
- Lifting 50+ Lbs. - Rarely
- Lifting <50 Lbs. - Occasionally
- Pulling - Occasionally
- Pushing - Occasionally
- Reaching - Occasionally
- Sitting - Occasionally
- Standing - Frequently
- Stooping - Occasionally
- Talking - Frequently
- Use of Hands - Frequently
- Color Vision - Frequently
- Visual Acuity: Far - Frequently
- Visual Acuity: Near - Consistently
- Walking - Frequently
TriHealth SERVE Standards and ALWAYS Behaviors
At TriHealth, we believe there is no responsibility more important than to SERVE our patients, our communities, and our fellow team members. To achieve our vision and mission, ALL TriHealth team members are expected to demonstrate and live the following:
Serve: ALWAYS…
- Welcome everyone by making eye contact, greeting with a smile, and saying "hello"
- Acknowledge when patients/guests are lost and escort them to their destination or find someone who can assist
- Refrain from using cell phones for personal reasons in public spaces or patient care areas
Excel: ALWAYS…
- Recognize and take personal responsibility to address and recover from service breakdowns when a customer's expectations have not been met
- Offer patients and guests priority when waiting (lines, elevators)
- Work on improving quality, safety, and service
Respect: ALWAYS…
- Respect cultural and spiritual differences and honor individual preferences.
- Respect everyone’s opinion and contribution, regardless of title/role.
- Speak positively about my team members and other departments in front of patients and guests.
Value: ALWAYS…
- Value the time of others by striving to be on time, prepared and actively participating.
- Pick up trash, ensuring the physical environment is clean and safe.
- Be a good steward of our resources, using supplies and equipment efficiently and effectively, and will look for ways to avoid waste.
Engage: ALWAYS…
- Acknowledge wins and frequently thank team members and others for contributions.
- Show courtesy and compassion with customers, team members, and the community.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - Weekends Only
Looking for meaningful weekend work where you can make a real difference? Join TriHealth as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant and help patients regain independence and confidence during their recovery journey. You'll work alongside a supportive rehab team, make a direct impact on patient outcomes, and enjoy the flexibility of a weekend-only schedule.
Location: 375 Dixmyth Ave Fl 10, Cincinnati, OH 45220
Work Schedule: Weekends Only
Incentives & Benefits:
In addition to a comprehensive benefits package—including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement—this role offers competitive pay based on education level and experience. Please view our benefits page.
Job Requirements:
- Graduate of an approved technical, professional, or vocational program (Required)
- Up to 1 year experience field-work (Required)
- Ability to conduct assessment directed by a Registered, Occupational Therapist and assist in the formulation and implementation of relevant OT interventions
- BLS for Healthcare Providers Required
- Other COTA - Occupational Therapy Assistant – Certified Required
Job Overview:
Under the direct clinical supervision of a Licensed, Registered Occupational Therapist - OTR/L, but must frequently exercise own judgment and knowledge. This position involves direct patient services, such as contributing to the evaluation process and carrying out prescribed treatment. The position will be treating patients on two psychiatric units in either group or individual settings. This position is also involved in supportive activities, such as inventory control, in-service education, and general department maintenance. The employee will attend select meetings for the division and/or department. Other position responsibilities include communication and coordination of occupational therapy treatment programs with the patient and team members, and those in this position must be trained to provide occupational therapy assessment and treatment for patients of all ages with additional education and experience focused on psychosocial rehabilitation and care of adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Job Responsibilities:
- Contributes to department/center program development through involvement in continuous improvement, special projects, or program coordinator. Contributes to the department through presenting and implementing new treatment technique/procedure, group treatment idea, request for new equipment, team participation, and other areas approved by management.
- Furthers knowledge base, technical skills, treatment techniques, and professional development by attending continuing education offerings, independent reading, hands-on practice, individual training sessions, etc. Areas could also include: special interest groups, district meetings, post-graduate work, seminars, or other professional activities.
- Maintains all required documentation within time frames and guidelines established by the department.
- Maintains established departmental productivity levels and manages time effectively.
- Provides comprehensive and functionally based treatment to clients of varying/broad diagnosis with consideration of age, educational level, and psychosocial disposition. This also includes: client/family education and training, equipment needs, referral to other programs and community resources.
Working Conditions:
- Climbing - Rarely
- Hearing: Conversation - Frequently
- Hearing: Other Sounds - Frequently
- Kneeling - Rarely
- Lifting <10 Lbs. -
- Lifting 50+ Lbs. - Rarely
- Lifting <50 Lbs. - Occasionally
- Pulling - Occasionally
- Pushing - Occasionally
- Reaching - Occasionally
- Sitting - Occasionally
- Standing - Frequently
- Stooping - Occasionally
- Talking - Frequently
- Use of Hands - Frequently
- Color Vision - Frequently
- Visual Acuity: Far - Frequently
- Visual Acuity: Near - Consistently
- Walking - Frequently
TriHealth SERVE Standards and ALWAYS Behaviors
At TriHealth, we believe there is no responsibility more important than to SERVE our patients, our communities, and our fellow team members. To achieve our vision and mission, ALL TriHealth team members are expected to demonstrate and live the following:
Serve: ALWAYS…
- Welcome everyone by making eye contact, greeting with a smile, and saying "hello"
- Acknowledge when patients/guests are lost and escort them to their destination or find someone who can assist
- Refrain from using cell phones for personal reasons in public spaces or patient care areas
Excel: ALWAYS…
- Recognize and take personal responsibility to address and recover from service breakdowns when a customer's expectations have not been met
- Offer patients and guests priority when waiting (lines, elevators)
- Work on improving quality, safety, and service
Respect: ALWAYS…
- Respect cultural and spiritual differences and honor individual preferences.
- Respect everyone’s opinion and contribution, regardless of title/role.
- Speak positively about my team members and other departments in front of patients and guests.
Value: ALWAYS…
- Value the time of others by striving to be on time, prepared and actively participating.
- Pick up trash, ensuring the physical environment is clean and safe.
- Be a good steward of our resources, using supplies and equipment efficiently and effectively, and will look for ways to avoid waste.
Engage: ALWAYS…
- Acknowledge wins and frequently thank team members and others for contributions.
- Show courtesy and compassion with customers, team members, and the community.
See all 149+ OPT Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
Get your NBCOT certification before you apply
Most OTA employers require NBCOT certification as a condition of hire, not just a preference. Without it, your application won't move forward. Schedule your exam during your final semester so certification arrives before OPT begins.
Confirm state licensure requirements early
Every state has its own OTA licensure process, and some take eight to twelve weeks to complete. Apply for your state license the moment your NBCOT results are confirmed. Delays in licensure can eat into your authorized OPT work window.
Target healthcare systems that regularly hire internationally
Large hospital networks, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care chains tend to have established HR processes for work authorization paperwork. Smaller private clinics may be unfamiliar with OPT and hesitant to proceed, even when sponsorship isn't technically required.
Be explicit that OPT requires no employer sponsorship cost
Many hiring managers confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship and assume there's a cost or legal burden attached. Clarify upfront, in writing if needed, that OPT authorization is your responsibility and involves no employer filing fees or immigration attorneys.
Start your job search at least three months before OPT begins
Between background checks, credentialing, and state licensure verification, healthcare hiring timelines run long. Applying three months out gives you room to clear those steps and begin working on day one of your authorized OPT period without gaps.
Apply to settings beyond hospitals and outpatient clinics
Schools, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies, and pediatric therapy practices all hire OTAs and often have more flexible credentialing timelines. Broadening your setting preferences increases the number of OPT-friendly opportunities you can realistically pursue.
Occupational Therapy Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant on OPT?
Yes, but your work must be directly related to your field of study. If you completed an OTA-accredited program, employment as an OTA satisfies the OPT requirement. You'll need a valid EAD card, active NBCOT certification, and a state license before you can legally practice in most states.
Does the OTA role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
No. Occupational Therapy Assistant programs are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension is not available for this field. You'll have 12 months of standard OPT work authorization. Planning your job search and H-1B sponsorship timeline around that 12-month window is essential.
Do OTA employers need to do anything special to hire me on OPT?
Employers are only required to complete Form I-9 employment verification, the same process they follow for any new hire. They don't file a petition, pay government fees, or engage an immigration attorney. Your EAD card is the work authorization document. Explaining this clearly upfront often resolves hesitation from employers unfamiliar with OPT.
Where can I find OTA jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists OTA roles from employers with documented experience hiring international candidates. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers narrows your search to organizations whose HR teams already understand work authorization documentation, which reduces friction during the offer and onboarding process.
What happens to my OPT status if I can't find an OTA job right away?
You're allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT. If you exceed that without authorized employment, your F-1 status is at risk. If you're struggling to find a role, document your active job search carefully and consult your Designated School Official as early as possible to understand your options.