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Posted: January 14, 2026 (1 day ago)

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DSHS WSH Occupational Therapy Assistant

State of Washington

Dept. of Social and Health Services

Fresh

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$3,752 - $5,011

per month

Closes

January 29, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves helping patients with serious mental health issues through hands-on therapy activities, working closely with a team to support their daily living skills and recovery.

You'll lead group sessions, document progress, and assist in creating treatment plans under the guidance of an occupational therapist.

It's a great fit for someone with a background in therapy assistance who enjoys teamwork and making a difference in mental health care.

Key Requirements

  • Graduate of an approved occupational therapy assistant program
  • Successful completion of NBCOT occupational therapy assistant exam
  • Current Washington State OTA license or eligibility
  • 18 months experience as an Occupational Therapy Assistant 1 or equivalent
  • Ability to facilitate groups and individual treatments
  • Proficiency in clinical documentation like treatment plans and progress notes
  • Knowledge of mental health topics including medication education and relapse prevention

Full Job Description

Occupational Therapy Assistant 2 (Initial Target Salary: $5,011 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.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for the above qualifications, except for legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

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.

If you have questions about the application process, email Anthony Distefano, Recruiter, at distear@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 00402

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.


Additional Information

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 (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.


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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/14/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/15/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5198705