Occupational Therapy Assistant
Company : Reliant Rehabilitation
Location : Altoona, IA, 50009
Job Type : Full Time
Date Posted : 7 January 2026
Overview
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
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Qualifications
*complete job description available upon request
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Frequently asked questions
In Altoona, IA, an Occupational Therapy Assistant supports patients by implementing therapy plans designed by licensed therapists, enhancing patients' daily functioning. They work closely with nursing facilities, adapting treatments to meet local healthcare regulations and community needs, which is vital for effective rehabilitation in skilled nursing environments.
Iowa mandates that Occupational Therapy Assistants hold a valid state license issued after graduating from an ACOTE-accredited program and passing the national certification exam. Maintaining this license involves adherence to continuing education and compliance with state health regulations, ensuring professional standards in occupational therapy services.
Yes, Occupational Therapy Assistants require formal education and licensure, enabling them to provide direct therapeutic care under supervision, while aides typically assist with non-clinical tasks. Assistants possess clinical documentation skills, treatment planning abilities, and patient interaction expertise that aides generally do not.
Reliant Rehabilitation offers a clinical ladder for Occupational Therapy Assistants, encouraging advancement through continuing education and leadership roles. Assistants can evolve into clinical leaders or specialized therapists, supported by company-sponsored training and a culture of internal promotion, fostering professional growth.
Reliant Rehabilitation in Altoona provides Occupational Therapy Assistants with competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and access to continuing education. Their therapist-led management ensures clinical guidance, while flexible scheduling and tuition loan repayment programs help balance professional development with personal needs.
Altoona's demand for Occupational Therapy Assistants is moderate but growing due to an aging population requiring skilled nursing care. Competition exists mainly among candidates with licensed credentials and experience in SNF settings, making certification and clinical proficiency key differentiators.
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Altoona, IA, generally earn between $50,000 and $62,000 annually. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and employer size, with companies like Reliant Rehabilitation offering competitive packages aligned with regional healthcare industry standards.
Computer proficiency is crucial at Reliant Rehabilitation, as Occupational Therapy Assistants must maintain accurate clinical documentation and navigate electronic health records. Basic internet skills aid in accessing continuing education and compliance resources, ensuring effective patient management and regulatory adherence.
Besides direct patient therapy, Occupational Therapy Assistants manage case documentation, supervise rehabilitation technicians when needed, and communicate with facility staff. They also ensure compliance with infection control and safety protocols, contributing to a holistic and safe therapeutic environment.
While the national OTA certification is mandatory, Iowa employers, especially in skilled nursing, value candidates with additional training in geriatric or rehabilitation specialties. Certifications or courses enhancing knowledge of local healthcare regulations and payment models can increase employability.