Occupational Therapy Assistant Certified - Acute Care
Company : Legacy Health
Location : Tualatin, OR, 97062-7706
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 28 December 2025
Overview
Whether you are working with children, adults or geriatrics, your compassion and skill ensure the best possible occupational therapy. As you help to develop programs and assist within the department, you increase your skills and build long-term professional relationships. If this sounds like an opportunity in which you could thrive, we invite you to consider joining the Legacy community.
Under the direction of the Registered Occupational Therapist, the Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant is primarily responsible for administering occupational therapy patient care programs for neonate infant, child, adolescent, adult and geriatrics. Therapy assistant will also assist in program development and perform assigned departmental duties.
Responsibilities
Administers therapy according to the established plan of the OTR, utilizing appropriate procedures, equipment and techniques within the scope of practice of the Occupational Therapy Assistant.
Educates the patient and the caregiver about the goals of the occupational therapy program, methods of accomplishing goals, how to perform the home program and injury prevention.
Recommends equipment, completes the equipment justification forms and arranges for the delivery of the equipment.
Monitors patient progress and makes recommendations regarding discharge to therapist.
Consults and co-treats with therapists from other disciplines.
Provides documentation of patient care according to established criteria.
Participates in continuous quality improvement projects.
Supervises the patient care activities of aides and volunteers.
Participates in in-services, medical conferences, staff meetings, continuing education courses, team meetings and other related activities.
Assists with departmental maintenance and supplies.
Provides in-services for staff, other departments and the community
Fabricates splints as needed.
Provides therapeutic interventions according to department and practice standards.
Qualifications
Education:
Associate Degree from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Experience:
3-5 years’ experience preferred.
Skills:
Teamwork, group facilitation, oral and written communication, computer skills.
Licensure
Current license as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) required for applicable state. CPR certification.
Pay Range
USD $32.31 - USD $46.20 /Hr.Our Commitment to Health and Equal Opportunity
Our Legacy is good for health for Our People, Our Patients, Our Communities, Our World. Above all, we will do the right thing.
If you are passionate about our mission and believe you can contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply—even if you don't meet every qualification listed. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow and succeed.
Legacy Health is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion or creed, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
To learn more about our employee benefits click here: www.legacyhealth.org/For-Health-Professionals/careers/benefiting-you
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Frequently asked questions
Tualatin's healthcare sector is steadily growing, boosting demand for certified occupational therapy assistants in acute care. However, competition remains moderate due to a limited number of local specialists. Candidates with acute care experience and certification often find an advantage when applying within this area.
Oregon requires a current Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license to practice, especially in acute care settings. Hospitals like Legacy Health prioritize candidates holding up-to-date state licensure along with CPR certification, reflecting compliance with regional healthcare regulations.
Occupational Therapy Certified - Acute Care providers focus on administering therapy tailored for patients in critical stages, including neonates to geriatrics. Their work involves close collaboration with registered therapists, implementing precise therapy plans, and fabricating splints, setting them apart from general therapy assistants.
Starting as a certified assistant in acute care opens pathways to specialize further in hospital-based therapy, leadership roles, or advanced certifications. Gaining experience in diverse patient groups, from infants to elderly, enhances prospects for senior therapy positions or supervisory duties.
Legacy Health values candidates who exhibit strong teamwork, effective communication, and adaptability within acute care environments. Demonstrating experience in program development, precise documentation, and patient caregiver education aligns well with their integrated care philosophy.
Yes, Legacy Health encourages continuous learning by supporting in-services, medical conferences, and team meetings. Occupational therapy assistants benefit from ongoing training that enhances skills and fosters long-term career development within their acute care teams.
The pay range for certified occupational therapy assistants at Legacy Health in Tualatin spans approximately $32.31 to $46.20 per hour. This reflects local market standards and considers experience, certifications, and acute care specialization.
Acute care occupational therapy assistants address immediate rehabilitation needs in hospital environments, requiring rapid response and tailored interventions. In contrast, school or outpatient roles often emphasize long-term developmental progress, involving different patient demographics and therapy timelines.
A frequent misunderstanding is that assistants independently design therapy plans. In reality, they execute plans under registered therapists' supervision, focusing on patient care delivery, monitoring progress, and adapting strategies within their licensure scope.
Legacy Health fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where occupational therapy assistants engage in multidisciplinary teamwork. The culture emphasizes compassionate patient care, continuous improvement, and professional respect, making daily responsibilities both challenging and rewarding.