DSHS WSH Occupational Therapy Assistant

State of Washington; Lakewood (WA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% premium pay on-site

5% assignment pay

Free ORCA transportation card

Job summary

Western State Hospital is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant 2 to join our dedicated team. The role provides OT and active treatment to patients with mental health diagnoses, working with an interdisciplinary team to discuss treatment goals and progress.

The position offers on-site work with potential premium pay, plus assignment pay, and benefits such as transportation cards. Applicants should be graduates of an approved OTA program with NBCOT, and hold or be eligible for WA OTA

Qualifications

• NBCOT certification required.
• Current Washington State OTA license or license-eligible.
• Minimum 18 months experience as OTA 1 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate or co-facilitate groups and/or individual treatment.
• Collaborate with an OT to provide occupational therapy services.
• Complete required documentation (e.g., treatment plans, progress notes).
• Complete rehab screens.
• Order supplies.
• Escort patients to and from treatment areas.

Skills

NBCOT certification

State OTA license

OTA experience 1

Education

Approved OTA program graduate

Job description

Occupational Therapy Assistant 2 (Initial Target Salary: $5,111 monthly) We are hiring Occupational Therapy Assistants to join our dedicated team at Western State Hospital.

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you'll provide occupational therapy and active treatment services to patients with severe or long‑term mental and behavioral health diagnoses. You'll work as a member of an interdisciplinary team to discuss treatment goals, implementation, and documentation of progress.

Opportunities performed on‑site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Those hired for this opportunity are entitled to an additional 5% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary.

Free ORCA cards for transportation are available for Pierce County employees.

Some of what you'll do

• Facilitating or co‑facilitating groups and/or individual treatment.
• Collaborating with an occupational therapist to provide occupational therapy services.
• Completing required documentation (e.g., Treatment Plans, Progress Notes).
• Completing Rehab Screens.
• Ordering supplies.
• Escorting patients to and from various treatment areas.

Who should apply

• A graduate of an approved educational program for occupational therapy assistants.
• Successful completion of the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) occupational therapy assistant examination.
• Current Washington State OTA license, or license eligible to practice as an occupational therapy assistant.
• Eighteen months experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant 1 or equivalent.

Desired

• Ability to assess, plan, provide, analyze, and grade programs/treatments under the direction of an occupational therapist.
• Experience developing and conducting psychosocial educational groups.
• Knowledge of medication education, relapse prevention, symptom management, skeletal, muscular, and neuro‑anatomy.
• Experience with clinical documentation.
• Ability to adhere to the American Occupational Therapy Association's Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, best practices, and hospital standards of care.

The Department of Social and Health Services' (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nebtism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.