Occupational Therapy Assistant
Company : Reliant Rehabilitation
Location : Fort Smith, AR, 72901
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 6 January 2026
Overview
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When you join Reliant’s therapy team, you join a team that makes a very real impact in the lives of the patients and residents we serve. As a leading rehab therapy provider for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), Reliant therapists provide necessary rehabilitation services for our most vulnerable population.As a Reliant therapist, you also have the opportunity to advance your career through our continuing education platform, climbing our clinical ladder and utilizing the opportunity to serve with others who are working at the top of their discipline. Our executive team started their own careers as therapists working with patients, and we take great pride in promoting from within the company.We also have a team of clinicians who provide continuing training, as well as systems and proven protocols to help ensure everyone is providing therapy in the most effective way for the patients and the most compliant way to help ensure our SNF partners are covered.Why Reliant:
- Reliant is the largest independent rehab therapy provider to skilled nursing facilities and long-term acute hospitals (LTACHs)
- Great Corporate Support
- Therapy company ran by Therapists with decades of experience
- A company that desires for you to grow as a therapist and as a leader in our industry
- Currently in 38+ states in approximately 850 buildings with plenty of opportunities that fit any therapists needs in location, schedule, or development
Reliant Benefits May Include:
- Competitive Pay Packages
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and company-paid life insurance
- 401(k) savings plan with employer match
- PTO Share Program
- PTO Buy-Back Program
- Annual Performance Reviews
- Maternity Support Program
- Company-sponsored continuing education courses
- Clinical Leadership Support
- Tuition Loan Repayment Program
- Flexible Schedules
Education/Experience:
- Graduate of an ACOTE accredited school of occupational therapy.
Computer Skills:
- Computer literate and proficient in clinical documentation
- Basic Internet navigation skills
Certificates and Licenses:
- Valid Occupational Therapist Assistant state license
Interested in learning about us or other opportunities? Please visit our website.
- Please note rate range is an estimate and may vary based on skill set and location(s).
Responsibilities
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Summary: Provide Occupational Therapy and related services for patients under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of occupational therapy and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines. Provide quality patient care including: ongoing treatment per a plan of care, supervision of Rehab Techs (where required), and case management responsibilities. Maintain professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation’s commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with facilities and clients. Adhere to all state and federal regulations regarding occupational therapy.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Under the direction of the licensed occupational therapist, optimize the functional abilities and skills of patients.
- Build a strong occupational therapy assistant program.
- Enhance clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities.
- Maintain valid state license. Maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of occupational therapy and the health care environment.
- Understands various relevant payment models related to billing and treatment guidelines, as well as clinically appropriate means/modes of delivery. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
- Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facility.
- Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English: instructions, correspondence, charts, memos, and reports
Qualifications
*complete job description available upon request
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Frequently asked questions
In Fort Smith, AR, Occupational Therapy Assistants often work closely with skilled nursing facilities, addressing specific rehabilitation needs of an aging population. Local healthcare policies and community health trends influence therapy approaches, making this location unique for OTAs seeking specialized experience in long-term care environments.
Beyond the mandatory state license for Occupational Therapy Assistants, Arkansas employers like Reliant Rehabilitation value ACOTE-accredited educational credentials. Familiarity with Arkansas’s healthcare regulations and continuous professional development enhance an OTA’s eligibility and effectiveness within local skilled nursing and rehab settings.
Emphasize proficiency in clinical documentation, patient engagement, infection control, and case management. Demonstrating adaptability to skilled nursing facility protocols and compliance with state occupational therapy standards will resonate strongly with recruiters in Fort Smith’s healthcare market.
Progression often involves gaining clinical leadership, engaging in continuing education, and mastering specialized treatment protocols. Many OTAs move into supervisory roles or pursue occupational therapy degrees, leveraging experience to deepen expertise and expand professional opportunities.
Reliant Rehabilitation offers a structured clinical ladder and ongoing education platforms, enabling OTAs to enhance skills and leadership capabilities. Their therapist-led management fosters a culture of internal promotion, making Reliant a strong partner for career development in occupational therapy.
Reliant provides clear protocols and continuous training focused on regulatory adherence, including documentation standards and infection control. OTAs receive consistent support to ensure treatment plans meet both clinical effectiveness and legal compliance within skilled nursing environments.
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fort Smith generally earn between $45,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. Local demand for rehab professionals combined with Reliant Rehabilitation’s competitive pay packages often situates salaries favorably within regional healthcare wage standards.
Pediatric OTAs in Arkansas may encounter limited specialized programs and must adapt interventions to diverse developmental needs amid resource constraints. Building strong rapport with families and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams are key strategies to overcome these hurdles effectively.
Such programs emphasize hands-on clinical training, patient-centered care techniques, and regulatory knowledge. Emphasis on documentation, infection control, and interdisciplinary communication equips graduates to meet the complex needs seen in long-term care environments.
Reliant’s therapist-led leadership and extensive clinical support set it apart, focusing on career advancement and compliance. Their presence in numerous facilities statewide offers OTAs diverse placement options with flexible scheduling aligned to personal and professional growth goals.