Occupational Therapy Assistant (Temporary)

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Temporary Role

*Please note this is a temporary role for 12-14 weeks (anticipated until January 7, 2027)

We are seeking a skilled and compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to provide short-term maternity leave coverage within a residential mental and behavioral health setting serving adolescents. This role supports continuity of care by implementing established occupational therapy interventions that promote emotional regulation, daily functioning, life skills, and engagement in meaningful routines and residential programming. The OTA works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist and collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary treatment team to support teens with complex emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.

Responsibilities

• Implement occupational therapy treatment plans as developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist
• Facilitate individual and group interventions focused on:
  • Emotional regulation and coping skills
  • Daily living and self-care routines
  • Executive functioning and life skills
  • Sensory processing and regulation strategies
• Support participation in the therapeutic milieu through consistent use of trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate approaches
• Observe and document client responses, progress, and challenges in accordance with program and regulatory standards
• Communicate effectively with the supervising OT and interdisciplinary team (clinical, educational, nursing, and direct care staff)
• Reinforce therapeutic strategies across daily routines to support carryover and consistency

Supervision & Support

• Services delivered under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist
• Structured onboarding and transition period prior to the maternity leave
• Ongoing supervision, consultation, and clinical support throughout the assignment
• Established programming, documentation systems, and treatment plans in place

Qualifications

• Current Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in State of Michigan
• Experience in mental health, behavioral health, pediatrics, residential treatment, or trauma-informed care preferred
• Strong skills in observation, documentation, communication, and teamwork
• Ability to build rapport with adolescents and maintain professional boundaries in a residential setting
• Comfort working within structured routines, safety protocols, and behavioral support frameworks
• Subscription of the Statement of Faith of Wedgwood Christian Services and agreement with the goals, purposes, and objectives of the agency.

Hours of Work: 11a-7p, Monday - Friday (40 weekly hours/scheduled hours are flexible as needed)

Wedgwood Christian Services

Since 1960, Wedgwood Christian Services has been dedicated to aggressively taking on the toughest problems facing children and families through residential care, counseling services, and community programs. Our goal is to support and help restore the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual well-being of children, adults, and families in our community.

Wedgwood is a local West Michigan agency, with offices bordering the coast of the beautiful Lake Michigan. Our main office is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, ranked in the top tier of the Best Places to Live in America according to Business Insider. Mission: Wedgwood Christian Services extends God's love to youth, adults, and families through professional counseling and educational services. Core Values: Integrity, Compassion, Excellence, and Diversity