Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 2

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment; Willmar (MN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Direct Care & Treatment in Willmar is hiring a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 2 to join the Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospital team. You will provide rehabilitation services and residential support for youth with serious behavioral and emotional conditions, working day shifts with occasional evenings.

The role requires Minnesota OTA licensure or eligibility, an associate degree in OT, and relevant post-licensure experience.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed to practice as an occupational therapy assistant in Minnesota; or be eligible for Minnesota licensure before appointment.
• Two qualification paths: (a) Associate’s Degree + ≥18 months post-licensure OT experience; (b) Associate’s Degree + OTA certification + ≥6 months post-licensure OT experience.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and lead groups and individual skill-building interventions for patients with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders.
• Implement activities considering age, ethnicity, cognitive and adaptive functioning, and potential post-discharge services.
• Observe and report patient progress during interventions.

Skills

Licensed OTA in Minnesota

Post-licensure OT experience

Certification as OTA

Education

Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy

Post-licensure OT experience (18+ months)

Certification as Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Post-licensure OT experience (6+ months)

Tools

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Job description

• Telework Eligible: No
• Working Title: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 2
• Job Class: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 2
• Agency: Direct Care and Treatment
• Job ID: 96254
• Location: Willmar
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 08/12/2026
• Closing Date: 09/01/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Direct Care and Treatment / DCT Willmar AFSCME
• Division/Unit: Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment Services / CABHS Willmar Prof
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am-4:30pm and occasional evenings
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday and occasional weekends; may include holidays
• Travel Required: No
• Salary Range: $26.58 - $34.04 / hourly; $55,499 - $71,075 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 204 - Health Care Non Professional/AFSCME
• Work Area: CABHH Willmar
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DCT does not participate in E-Verify.

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This vacancy may be eligible for a hiring incentive of up to $2,500 ***

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health Hospital (CABHH) in Willmar is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to join our team in providing rehabilitation and supportive residential services for children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 6-18) with serious behavioral and emotional conditions.

Job Duties Include

• Facilitate and lead groups in skill building as well and individual skill building interventions for referred patients to assist with management of psychiatric and substance abuse disorder symptoms and improved functioning level.
• Implement selected activities and techniques with consideration for patient(s) age-specific needs, ethnic-cultural needs, level of cognitive functioning, level of adaptive functioning, and if relevant, post discharge services patients may receive in the community
• Observe and report progress of patients during interventions.

Minimum Qualifications

To qualify, applicants must be licensed to practice as an occupational therapy assistant in the state of Minnesota; OR be currently licensed to practice as an occupational therapy assistant in another state and must obtain licensure in Minnesota prior to appointment.

In addition, you must satisfy one of the following combinations of education and experience:

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant 2

• Have an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program; AND
• At least 18 months of post-licensure occupational therapy experience

OR

• Have an Associate’s Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program; AND
• Certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant; AND
• At least 6 months of professional, post-licensure occupational therapy experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Patient care experience within a mental health or behavioral health setting.
• Experience working with children and adolescents in a treatment setting.

Additional Requirements

To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

REFERENCE/BACKGROUND CHECKS – Direct Care & Treatment will conduct reference checks to verify job-related credentials and criminal background check prior to appointment.

EDUCATION VERIFICATION - Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their high school diploma at time of interview OR copies of their college transcript or college degree/diploma at time of interview. Copies of the college degree/diploma are acceptable ONLY if it clearly identifies the field in which it was earned.

Direct Care & Treatment (DCT) healthcare facilities require employees to provide documentation that they are free from tuberculosis (TB) through a blood test prior to employment. DCT does not accept TB skin testing.

If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at [e-mail] or call 651-539-7243.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Naomi Ochsendorf at [e-mail].

About Direct Care And Treatment

DCT operates a highly specialized behavioral health care system that serves people with mental illness, substance abuse disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. This includes psychiatric hospitals and other inpatient mental health treatment facilities; inpatient substance abuse treatment facilities; dental clinics, group homes, vocational sites, and sex offender treatment facilities.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your Benefits May Include

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support To Help You Reach Your Career Goals

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) For Work/life Support

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.