Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter Examples + Guide

Staring at that blank page, trying to figure out how to show a hiring manager you’re the dedicated, skilled occupational therapy assistant they desperately need? You’re definitely not alone. Writing an Occupational Therapy Assistant cover letter that highlights your client support skills without sounding like every other “passionate about helping people” application is one of the trickiest challenges in today’s competitive allied health market. The good news? A standout cover letter can be your secret weapon to rise above the competition and secure that dream therapy support position.

This guide will take your cover letter from generic template to interview magnet. We’ll reveal exactly how to start with maximum impact, prove your worth through specific client outcomes, and finish with confidence. Plus, you’ll discover insider tips on what Australian healthcare facilities and disability services are really looking for, complete with real examples that actually work. Whether you’re stepping up from therapy aide to qualified assistant or bringing your allied health support experience to a new setting, we’ve got you covered.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Marcus Lee
[email protected]
0429 834 567
linkedin.com/in/marcuslee-othealth
Perth, WA

20 March 2025

Ms Rebecca Johnson
Allied Health Services Manager
Brightwater Care Group
Inglewood Community Centre
30 Tenth Avenue
Inglewood, WA 6052

Dear Rebecca,

When I discovered that Brightwater Care Group is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant to support clients across disability and aged care services in delivering goal-focused therapy programmes, I recognized this was precisely the opportunity I’ve been working toward. As someone who worked as an OT assistant at Enable WA—supporting 3 occupational therapists delivering services to 45+ NDIS participants with physical disabilities, acquired brain injuries, and developmental conditions, implementing therapeutic interventions and adaptive equipment training that enabled 38 clients to achieve independence goals including dressing, meal preparation, and community access over 12-month periods, and maintaining meticulous documentation across client management systems achieving 100% compliance during NDIS audits—I’m thrilled at the prospect of combining client-centered support and therapeutic expertise for Western Australia’s leading disability service provider.

Over the past four years as an Occupational Therapy Assistant working throughout Perth’s disability services, rehabilitation, and aged care sectors, I’ve repeatedly delivered results that match perfectly with your needs. I’ve implemented therapy programmes designed by occupational therapists including activities of daily living training, fine and gross motor skill development, and cognitive rehabilitation strategies, supported clients using adaptive equipment and assistive technology including splints, wheelchairs, communication devices, and home modifications ensuring safe, effective use, facilitated group therapy sessions and community access activities for up to 8 participants promoting social participation and practical skill development, monitored and documented client progress toward NDIS or therapy goals reporting observations and outcomes to supervising OTs enabling evidence-based programme adjustments, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams including physiotherapists, speech pathologists, support coordinators, and families ensuring coordinated person-centered care, and maintained professional boundaries and duty of care standards including incident reporting, risk assessment, and adherence to privacy legislation. My background spanning NDIS disability support, hospital rehabilitation, and residential aged care has shown me that exceptional occupational therapy assistance merges practical support with therapeutic purpose—precisely what you require for meaningful client outcomes.

What really attracts me to Brightwater Care Group is your reputation for innovative therapy services and your commitment to enabling people to live their best lives through evidence-based occupational therapy. I hold a Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy stream), current NDIS Worker Screening Check and Working with Children Check, comprehensive manual handling certification, and completed professional development in positive behaviour support, trauma-informed care approaches, and supporting clients with complex communication needs using AAC strategies. I’m experienced with client management systems including Endeavour and Microsoft Dynamics, proficient documenting therapy notes, progress reports, and incident documentation meeting healthcare and NDIS standards. One achievement I’m particularly proud of is supporting a young adult with cerebral palsy to develop independent cooking skills through 16 weeks of adapted kitchen training, enabling them to prepare 5 meals independently and transition from supported accommodation to independent living—a goal they’d been working toward for 3 years. I’m convinced that occupational therapy assistants aren’t merely task helpers following instructions—we’re skilled allied health professionals who facilitate independence through therapeutic activities, empower clients through goal-focused support, and contribute to life-changing outcomes through competent, compassionate practice.

I’d welcome the chance to discuss how my proven ability to deliver occupational therapy interventions while supporting clients toward independence goals can enhance Brightwater’s therapy services and client outcomes. Thank you for reviewing my application, and I look forward to connecting with you soon.

Kind regards,

Marcus Lee
[email protected]
0429 834 567
linkedin.com/in/marcuslee-othealth

How to Format an Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter

Length: Maximum 1 page (3–5 paragraphs)
Font: Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman (10–12pt)
Spacing: Single or 1.15 line spacing
Margins: 1 inch on all sides
File format: PDF

What to Include in an Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter (Australia)

Your Occupational Therapy Assistant cover letter needs to follow a client-centered structure that showcases both therapeutic skills and practical support capability:

Contact Details
Salutation (Dear Hiring Manager or name)
Opening paragraph – your hook and intent
Middle – why you’re the best fit (skills + experience)
Closing – call to action + sign off

Right vs Wrong Example

Right Opening: “When Queensland Health announced the expansion of occupational therapy services across Metro North Hospital requiring experienced therapy assistants to support acute rehabilitation and stroke recovery programmes for 60+ inpatients monthly, I instantly recognized where my background providing specialized neuro-rehabilitation support—assisting 25 stroke and brain injury patients weekly with upper limb retraining, ADL therapy, and cognitive rehabilitation activities achieving 78% of clients meeting discharge independence goals, implementing splinting and positioning protocols under OT supervision preventing contractures and pressure injuries across 200+ patient days, and facilitating iPad-based cognitive therapy apps supporting memory, attention, and problem-solving skill development achieving measurable improvements on standardized assessments—could support your patient recovery objectives while establishing the clinical competence and empathetic approach your vulnerable patient population demands.”

Wrong Opening: “I am writing to apply for the Occupational Therapy Assistant position that was advertised on Seek. I have experience working with people with disabilities and I enjoy helping others. I believe I would be a good fit for this role at your organization.”

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter Tips

Emphasize relevant qualifications including Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (OT pathway)
Showcase practical placement hours from your qualification with specific client examples
Demonstrate understanding of client-centered practice, therapeutic activities, and OT scope of practice

Entry-Level Cover Letter Sample for Occupational Therapy Assistant

Right Entry-Level Approach: “As a recent graduate of Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance (Occupational Therapy) through TAFE SA with High Distinction across all clinical units, I’m excited to apply for the Occupational Therapy Assistant position at Novita Children’s Services. During my 120 hours of clinical placement across pediatric therapy centers and special schools, I supported 18 children aged 4-12 with autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay implementing OT-designed programmes, facilitated sensory integration activities including therapeutic play and movement-based interventions observing and documenting engagement and skill development, assisted with adaptive equipment trials including writing grips, specialized seating, and iPad communication apps teaching children and families correct usage, set up therapy spaces and activities following OT treatment plans ensuring safety and therapeutic appropriateness, and maintained detailed session notes and progress documentation using Goal Attainment Scaling receiving feedback from supervising OTs noting my ‘thorough understanding of child development principles and natural rapport with children.’ I hold current Working with Children Check, NDIS Worker Screening, First Aid and CPR certifications, and completed additional training in positive behavior support strategies and Makaton signing for communication support. This blend of formal allied health training and supervised pediatric practice demonstrated that effective OT assistance harmonizes therapeutic knowledge with playful engagement and clinical documentation—capabilities I’m excited to contribute in a professional therapy capacity.”

Wrong Entry-Level Approach: “I recently finished my Certificate IV and I’m looking for my first OT assistant job. I don’t have experience yet but I’m patient and like working with people. I had younger cousins I helped look after. Please give me a chance to prove myself.”

Top Mistakes to Avoid in an Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter

Not mentioning mandatory clearances (NDIS Worker Screening, Working with Children Check, Police Check)
Being vague about client populations, therapeutic interventions, or independence outcomes achieved
Neglecting to mention collaboration with OTs, documentation standards, or person-centered practice

How to Tailor Your Cover Letter to a Job Ad

Align with their service setting (NDIS disability support, hospital rehabilitation, aged care, pediatric therapy, mental health)
Address specific client groups they mention (children with developmental delays, stroke survivors, aged care residents, mental health consumers)
Reflect their therapeutic approach (sensory integration, cognitive rehabilitation, ADL training, community participation)

How to Sign Off Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter

Use “Kind regards” or “Sincerely”
Include full name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn (optional)

Cover Letter Signature Example

Kind regards,

Sophie Wilson
[email protected]
0421 789 234
linkedin.com/in/sophiewilson-othealth

How to Submit a Cover Letter in Australia

Always attach as a PDF (unless instructed otherwise)
Label file professionally (e.g. MarcusLee_CoverLetter.pdf)
If submitting via Seek or healthcare job portals, include a brief intro

Final Tips for Writing a Great Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter

Lead with specific client outcomes (independence goals achieved, skills developed, functional improvements)
Balance therapeutic knowledge with practical support demonstrating both clinical understanding and hands-on capability
Show understanding of OT scope clarifying assistant role versus OT responsibilities and supervision requirements
Emphasize person-centered approach through examples of client choice, goal collaboration, and dignity in care

More Resources for Job Seekers

Ready to nail your entire application? Check out our Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Examples for the perfect complement to your cover letter. Prepare for success with our Common Interview Questions for allied health and therapy support roles, and explore our Selection Criteria Templates for government hospital and disability service positions.

Remember, your cover letter should work alongside your resume to tell a compelling story about why you’re the occupational therapy assistant they need. Concentrate on specific therapeutic interventions that demonstrate both clinical competence and client-centered support, express genuine enthusiasm for their service model and client population, and always emphasize how you’ll facilitate independence through skilled assistance from day one. With Australia’s allied health sector continuing to evolve through NDIS expansion, increased focus on community-based therapy, and growing recognition of OT assistants’ vital role in service delivery, healthcare facilities and disability services are seeking assistants who can balance therapeutic knowledge with practical implementation and clinical documentation with empathetic client relationships. Stay current with occupational therapy best practices through organizations like Occupational Therapy Australia, pursue professional development including Certificate IV completion, specialized training in areas like sensory integration, assistive technology, or specific conditions like autism or acquired brain injury, and develop your therapeutic capabilities to ensure your application reflects current allied health expectations and client-centered practice standards.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Cover Letter: Example, Template + How to Write One in Australia