Occupational Therapist Assistants/Aides

Individuals who work under the direction of occupational therapists and provide rehabilitative services for persons with mental, physical, emotional or developmental impairments. The ultimate goal is to improve clients' quality of life and ability to perform activities of daily living. Occupational therapist assistants help clients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist. Activities range from teaching the proper method of moving from a bed into a wheelchair to the best way to stretch and limber the muscles of the hand. Occupational therapist aides typically prepare materials and assemble equipment used during treatment. They are also responsible for a range of clerical tasks including scheduling appointments, answering the telephone, restocking or ordering depleted supplies and filling out insurance forms or other paperwork.