Are you struggling to secure interviews for Occupational Therapy Assistant positions despite your passion for helping people regain independence and your hands-on experience supporting therapeutic interventions? The occupational therapy field in Australia is increasingly recognised as vital to healthcare delivery, with employers seeking assistants who can provide skilled therapeutic support while demonstrating clinical competence, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with occupational therapists and multidisciplinary teams. Whether you’re transitioning from related healthcare roles, advancing from rehabilitation support positions, or entering the field with relevant qualifications, crafting a compelling resume is essential to showcase your ability to implement therapeutic interventions and contribute to meaningful client outcomes.
Occupational Therapy Assistants play a crucial role in Australia’s healthcare and rehabilitation services, supporting occupational therapists in helping clients develop, recover, or maintain daily living skills across hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, and community health settings. According to Occupational Therapy Australia, demand for skilled occupational therapy support professionals continues to grow as awareness of occupational therapy’s role in promoting independence and quality of life increases. This comprehensive guide will help you create a powerful Occupational Therapy Assistant resume that highlights your therapeutic skills, client-centred approach, and commitment to supporting meaningful occupational engagement.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume (Text Version)
Rebecca Mitchell
Occupational Therapy Assistant
📧 [email protected] | 📞 0434 567 890
🏠 Brisbane, Queensland 4000
💼 linkedin.com/in/rebeccamitchell-otassistant
AHPRA Registration: OTA0123456789
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated Occupational Therapy Assistant with 5+ years of experience supporting occupational therapists in delivering evidence-based interventions across paediatric, aged care, and rehabilitation settings. Proven track record of implementing therapeutic programs that helped 200+ clients improve functional independence by 75% while maintaining detailed documentation and achieving consistently positive client outcomes. Expert in adaptive equipment training, therapeutic activities, and client education with strong commitment to person-centred practice and interdisciplinary collaboration.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant | Queensland Rehabilitation Services | June 2021 – Present
• Support occupational therapists in delivering comprehensive rehabilitation programs for 30+ clients weekly across neurological, orthopaedic, and cardiac conditions
• Implement prescribed therapeutic interventions including fine motor activities, cognitive retraining, and activities of daily living practice
• Conduct equipment assessments and training for adaptive devices, wheelchairs, and home modifications, improving client independence by 80%
• Maintain detailed progress documentation and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, ensuring continuity of care
• Mentor junior staff and students, providing guidance on therapeutic techniques and professional development opportunities
Occupational Therapy Assistant | Royal Children’s Hospital Brisbane | March 2019 – May 2021
• Provided therapeutic support for children aged 2-16 years with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorders, and acquired injuries
• Facilitated sensory integration activities, play-based interventions, and school readiness programs under occupational therapist supervision
• Collaborated with families and educators to implement therapeutic strategies in home and school environments
• Assisted with assessment procedures and outcome measurement, contributing to individualised treatment planning
• Participated in professional development workshops and maintained current knowledge of paediatric occupational therapy practices
Rehabilitation Support Worker | Blue Care Community Services | January 2017 – February 2019
• Supported occupational therapy programs for elderly clients in community and residential aged care settings
• Implemented therapeutic activities focusing on fall prevention, cognitive stimulation, and social engagement
• Assisted with environmental assessments and equipment recommendations to enhance safety and independence
• Provided client and family education on therapeutic techniques and adaptive strategies for daily activities
• Collaborated with nursing staff and allied health professionals to deliver holistic person-centred care
EDUCATION
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance | TAFE Queensland | 2018
Certificate III in Individual Support (Disability) | TAFE Queensland | 2016
Certificate II in Community Services | TAFE Queensland | 2015
KEY SKILLS
• Therapeutic Activity Implementation • Functional Assessment Support • Adaptive Equipment Training
• Activities of Daily Living Coaching • Sensory Integration Activities • Cognitive Rehabilitation Support
• Client & Family Education • Documentation & Record Keeping • Equipment & Environmental Assessment
• Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration • Professional Communication • Safety & Risk Management
• Person-Centred Practice • Cultural Competency • Quality Improvement Participation
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• AHPRA Registration – Occupational Therapy Assistant (Current)
• First Aid & CPR Certification (Current)
• Manual Handling & Moving People Certificate
• Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Training
• Dementia Care Specialist Certificate
What is The Best Format for an Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume?
The reverse chronological format is the most effective choice for Occupational Therapy Assistant resumes, as it clearly demonstrates your therapeutic experience progression and increasing clinical responsibilities. This format allows employers to quickly assess your most recent therapeutic achievements while understanding your professional development journey through various occupational therapy settings and client populations.
Format specifications:
- Font: Use professional fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica that convey healthcare professionalism and clinical competence
- Font size: 11-12pt for body text, 14-16pt for your name, 12-13pt for section headings
- Margins: 1-inch margins on all sides to ensure clean presentation and adequate white space
- File type: Submit as PDF unless the employer specifically requests another format
- Length: 1-2 pages for most Occupational Therapy Assistants, focusing on relevant therapeutic experience and qualifications
Essential resume sections:
Header: Include your full name, professional title, phone number, professional email address, city/state, LinkedIn profile URL, and AHPRA registration number if applicable.
Professional Summary: A compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your years of occupational therapy support experience, client populations served, key achievements, and core competencies in therapeutic intervention implementation.
Professional Experience: List positions in reverse chronological order, emphasising client outcomes, therapeutic skill development, documentation accuracy, and collaborative teamwork achievements.
Education: Include relevant qualifications, certifications, and professional development, particularly those related to occupational therapy, allied health assistance, or rehabilitation services.
Additional sections: Key skills, professional certifications, ongoing education, and relevant achievements that demonstrate your expertise in occupational therapy assistance and therapeutic support.
What Experience Should be on Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume?
Your Occupational Therapy Assistant resume should emphasise client-centred achievements, therapeutic intervention implementation success, and collaborative teamwork experiences that demonstrate your ability to support meaningful occupational engagement and functional improvement. Focus on experiences that showcase your capacity to implement prescribed interventions, document progress accurately, and contribute to positive therapeutic outcomes under occupational therapist supervision.
Include experiences that showcase:
- Therapeutic intervention implementation and client progress achievements
- Adaptive equipment training and environmental modification support
- Assessment assistance and documentation accuracy
- Client and family education and training provision
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and professional communication
- Quality improvement and evidence-based practice contributions
Correct Example:
Occupational Therapy Assistant | Mater Health Services | 2020 – Present
• Support occupational therapists in providing rehabilitation services to 40+ clients weekly across stroke, spinal injury, and orthopaedic programs
• Implement prescribed therapeutic activities including upper limb exercises, cognitive tasks, and functional skills training
• Conduct home safety assessments and recommend equipment modifications, resulting in 90% reduction in falls risk for discharged clients
• Provide training to clients and families on adaptive techniques and equipment use, improving post-discharge independence scores by 65%
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and contribute to outcome measurement, supporting evidence-based practice improvements
Incorrect Example:
Therapy Helper | Hospital | 2020 – Present
• Helped occupational therapists with patients
• Did activities with clients
• Helped with equipment and assessments
• Talked to families about therapy
• Kept records and attended meetings
Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Samples (Experience)
For entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants, focus on clinical placements, volunteer experience, relevant training, and any supportive care roles that demonstrate your potential for therapeutic excellence and client advocacy.
Correct Entry-Level Example:
Graduate Occupational Therapy Assistant | Gold Coast Health | Mar 2024 – Present
• Support occupational therapists in acute and rehabilitation settings while completing comprehensive orientation program
• Assist with therapeutic activities for 20+ clients weekly including self-care training, cognitive exercises, and mobility practice
• Participate in equipment trials and safety assessments under direct supervision, contributing to discharge planning processes
• Complete mandatory competency assessments in documentation, infection control, and therapeutic communication
• Engage in reflective practice sessions and professional development activities to enhance clinical reasoning skills
Clinical Placement Student | Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital | Aug – Nov 2023
• Completed 120 hours of supervised practice in paediatric occupational therapy across outpatient and inpatient services
• Assisted with sensory integration assessments and therapeutic play activities for children with developmental challenges
• Observed and participated in family education sessions and interdisciplinary team meetings
• Demonstrated competency in basic therapeutic techniques and professional communication skills
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
New OT Assistant | Healthcare Centre | 2024 – Present
• Learning occupational therapy work
• Help with therapy activities
• Work with OT team
• Attend training sessions
• Follow supervisor instructions
How to Write the Education Section for your Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume
The education section is crucial for Occupational Therapy Assistant positions, as it demonstrates your foundational knowledge in therapeutic principles, human anatomy and physiology, and clinical practice required for effective therapeutic support. Australian employers require occupational therapy assistants to have specific qualifications that combine theoretical understanding with practical skills in implementing therapeutic interventions.
Highlight qualifications that show your understanding of occupational therapy principles, therapeutic techniques, and professional practice standards. Include relevant coursework, clinical placements, and academic achievements that demonstrate your commitment to evidence-based practice and professional excellence. Ongoing professional development in areas such as specific conditions, therapeutic modalities, or population groups should also be prominently featured.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Example (Education)
Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance | TAFE Victoria | 2020
High Distinction – Completed 160 hours clinical placement at Austin Health rehabilitation services
Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) | TAFE Victoria | 2019
Distinction Average – Specialisation: Person-centred care and therapeutic support
Certificate II in Community Services | TAFE Victoria | 2018
Continuing Professional Development:
• Advanced Stroke Rehabilitation Techniques – Stroke Foundation Australia (2023)
• Paediatric Sensory Integration Principles – Occupational Therapy Australia (2023)
• Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health First Aid Australia (2022)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume
The skills section should demonstrate both your therapeutic competencies and client care abilities essential for successful occupational therapy assistance. Include 12-15 skills that directly relate to occupational therapy support work, balancing technical therapeutic skills with communication and collaboration capabilities. Focus on skills that show your ability to implement evidence-based interventions while working effectively within therapeutic teams.
Emphasise skills that demonstrate your proficiency in therapeutic techniques, assessment support, and client education that are critical for supporting meaningful occupational engagement and functional improvement outcomes.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
- Therapeutic Activity Implementation
- Functional Assessment Support
- Adaptive Equipment Training & Prescription
- Activities of Daily Living Coaching
- Cognitive Rehabilitation Techniques
- Sensory Integration Activities
- Environmental Modification Assessment
- Clinical Documentation & Record Keeping
- Outcome Measurement & Data Collection
- Equipment Maintenance & Safety Checks
Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
- Empathetic Client Communication
- Active Listening & Observation
- Cultural Sensitivity & Respect
- Team Collaboration & Support
- Problem Solving & Adaptability
- Patience & Encouragement
- Professional Boundaries & Ethics
- Time Management & Organisation
- Motivational Support & Coaching
- Attention to Detail & Safety
How to pick the best Occupational Therapy Assistant skills:
- Analyse the job requirements carefully and identify therapeutic competencies and personal qualities mentioned as essential for client support
- Match your clinical experience to the most relevant skills, ensuring you can provide specific examples of successful therapeutic interventions
- Include both technical and interpersonal skills to demonstrate comprehensive occupational therapy assistance capability
- Balance intervention-specific skills with general therapeutic abilities to show versatility in supporting diverse client needs
- Focus on evidence-based and current practices such as person-centred care, trauma-informed practice, and cultural competency
Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Examples (Skills)
Skills Examples with Accomplishments:
- Therapeutic Implementation: Successfully implemented prescribed interventions for 150+ clients across neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, achieving 85% goal attainment rates
- Adaptive Equipment Training: Provided training on 200+ pieces of adaptive equipment, resulting in 90% client satisfaction and improved functional independence
- Documentation Accuracy: Maintained comprehensive clinical records with 99% accuracy, supporting continuity of care and quality assurance processes
- Client Education: Delivered therapeutic education to 300+ clients and families, contributing to 70% improvement in home exercise program compliance
- Team Collaboration: Worked effectively with 25+ occupational therapists and interdisciplinary team members, supporting seamless care coordination
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your Occupational Therapy Assistant resume by demonstrating your commitment to professional excellence and specialised expertise in therapeutic support. These sections are particularly valuable in occupational therapy assistance, where ongoing education, specialised training, and professional development are indicators of clinical competency and career advancement potential.
Consider including:
Professional Certifications & Training: AHPRA registration, first aid qualifications, specialised therapy training, and other credentials that validate your expertise and compliance with professional standards.
Volunteer Experience: Community rehabilitation programs, disability support activities, or healthcare-related volunteering that demonstrates your commitment to therapeutic principles and client advocacy.
Professional Memberships: Membership in occupational therapy organisations, allied health associations, or professional development groups that show your engagement with best practices and ongoing learning.
Specialised Training: Additional qualifications in specific conditions, therapeutic modalities, or population groups that enhance your clinical capabilities and therapeutic expertise.
Languages & Cultural Competencies: Language skills or cultural knowledge that can benefit diverse client populations and support inclusive therapeutic practice.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Examples (Other Sections)
Correct Example:
Professional Certifications:
• AHPRA Registration – Occupational Therapy Assistant (Current)
• First Aid & CPR Certificate – St John Ambulance (Current)
• Manual Handling Certificate – WorkSafe Queensland
• Sensory Integration Training – Sensory Integration Education
Volunteer Experience:
• Therapy Dog Program Coordinator – Royal Brisbane Hospital (2022-Present)
• Disability Sports Assistant Coach – Paralympics Australia (2021-2023)
• Community Garden Facilitator – Accessible Gardens Project (2020-2022)
Professional Development:
• Member, Occupational Therapy Australia – Associate Level
• Allied Health Professions Australia – OT Assistant Network
• Queensland Occupational Therapy Association
Languages:
• Auslan (Australian Sign Language) – Intermediate level
• Mandarin (Conversational) – Supporting Chinese-speaking clients
Incorrect Example:
Additional Information:
• Have therapy certifications
• Help with community programs
• Member of professional groups
• Know some sign language
• Good with therapy equipment
Additional sections you might consider: Awards or recognition for therapeutic excellence, research participation in occupational therapy studies, technology proficiencies relevant to therapeutic practice, and personal experiences that inform empathetic client care approaches.
How to write an Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Objective or Resume Summary
A compelling professional summary is essential for Occupational Therapy Assistant resumes, as it immediately communicates your therapeutic expertise and client-centred approach to potential employers. This section should be 3-4 lines that highlight your years of occupational therapy support experience, client populations served, key achievements, and core competencies that make you an effective therapeutic support professional.
Key elements to include:
- Years of occupational therapy assistance or related therapeutic support experience
- Client populations and therapeutic settings you’ve worked in
- Quantifiable achievements in client outcomes, program implementation, or quality measures
- Professional qualifications and certifications relevant to occupational therapy assistance
- Personal qualities that demonstrate commitment to person-centred practice and therapeutic excellence
Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Compassionate Occupational Therapy Assistant with 6+ years of experience supporting occupational therapists in delivering evidence-based interventions across paediatric, neurological, and aged care settings. Proven track record of implementing therapeutic programs that helped 250+ clients achieve functional independence goals while maintaining 97% documentation accuracy and contributing to interdisciplinary care excellence. AHPRA registered with expertise in adaptive equipment, sensory integration, and person-centred therapeutic approaches.
Incorrect Example:
Experienced therapy assistant seeking occupational therapy assistant position. Good with helping people and have worked in healthcare settings. Caring professional who enjoys working with occupational therapists and clients. Strong communication skills and team player who wants to make a difference in rehabilitation.
For entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants, focus on your educational foundation, clinical training, passion for therapeutic practice, and transferable skills that demonstrate your potential for occupational therapy excellence.
Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume Summary Examples
Correct Entry-Level Example:
Dedicated healthcare professional with Certificate IV in Allied Health Assistance and comprehensive clinical placement experience in occupational therapy settings. Strong foundation in therapeutic principles, functional assessment support, and person-centred care with demonstrated ability to implement prescribed interventions and build rapport with diverse client populations. Committed to evidence-based practice and passionate about supporting clients to achieve meaningful occupational engagement and independence.
Incorrect Entry-Level Example:
Recent healthcare graduate seeking entry-level occupational therapy assistant position. Completed training and clinical placements in therapy settings. Eager to start career in occupational therapy and help clients with their rehabilitation goals. Good academic performance and positive attitude toward healthcare work.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Resume
Maintaining consistency between your resume and LinkedIn profile is important in Australia’s allied health sector, where 78% of healthcare managers use LinkedIn for professional networking and recruitment. When updating your Occupational Therapy Assistant resume, ensure your LinkedIn profile reflects the same professional narrative while leveraging the platform’s networking capabilities within the occupational therapy and healthcare communities.
Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume by providing deeper insights into your therapeutic philosophy, showcasing your commitment to client-centred practice, and demonstrating your engagement with Australian occupational therapy professionals and allied health networks.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Occupational Therapy Assistants
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately convey your therapeutic expertise and professional credentials, making it easy for healthcare recruiters and occupational therapists to identify your qualifications and specialisation areas.
Effective LinkedIn Headlines:
“Occupational Therapy Assistant | AHPRA Registered | Paediatric & Neurological Rehabilitation | Evidence-Based Practice”
“OT Assistant | Therapeutic Intervention Specialist | Adaptive Equipment Training | Person-Centred Care Advocate”
“Occupational Therapy Assistant | Functional Independence Support | Team Collaboration | Professional Development”
Ineffective LinkedIn Headlines:
“Occupational Therapy Assistant”
“Healthcare professional helping clients”
“Experienced therapy support worker”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
Your LinkedIn summary can be more personal and story-driven than your resume summary, allowing for 3-4 paragraphs that describe your journey into occupational therapy and your passion for supporting client independence. Include specific examples of meaningful client interactions (maintaining confidentiality), discuss your approach to therapeutic support, and incorporate keywords that healthcare professionals commonly search for.
Unlike your resume summary, LinkedIn summaries can include your therapeutic philosophy, personal motivations for working in occupational therapy assistance, and calls to action encouraging healthcare professionals to connect and share insights about best practices and professional development.
Showcasing Occupational Therapy Assistant Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn allows you to expand on your resume bullet points with detailed descriptions of therapeutic interventions, client success stories, and professional development experiences. Use this space to highlight specific examples of adaptive solutions you’ve implemented, collaborative achievements with therapy teams, and continuing education that enhances your clinical capabilities.
Include relevant media such as professional certificates, therapy-related training completions, or photos from professional development events and clinical practice settings. This visual content helps establish credibility and shows your active engagement in the occupational therapy community.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Occupational Therapy Assistants
Prioritise LinkedIn skills that align with current occupational therapy assistant job requirements in Australia. Focus on therapeutic competencies like “Occupational Therapy,” “Therapeutic Activities,” and “Rehabilitation Support” alongside interpersonal skills such as “Patient Care” and “Interdisciplinary Collaboration.”
Actively seek endorsements from occupational therapists, healthcare colleagues, supervisors, and allied health professionals who can validate your therapeutic skills and professional qualities. These endorsements serve as professional references for your clinical competency and collaborative abilities.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Occupational Therapy Assistants
Network strategically with Australian occupational therapy professionals by joining groups like “Occupational Therapy Australia,” “Allied Health Professionals Australia,” and “Australian Rehabilitation Association.” Engage with content from Australian healthcare organisations and contribute insights about therapeutic practice and client outcomes.
Optimise for local healthcare context by including Australia-specific keywords like “AHPRA registered,” “Australian healthcare standards,” “person-centred practice,” and “evidence-based interventions.” Many Australian healthcare employers search for therapy assistants with knowledge of local healthcare frameworks and professional standards.
Share professional insights by posting about occupational therapy developments, therapeutic techniques, or professional development experiences (while maintaining client confidentiality). This content helps establish your expertise and increases profile visibility among healthcare professionals seeking knowledgeable occupational therapy team members.
Creating an exceptional Occupational Therapy Assistant resume requires demonstrating your unique combination of therapeutic knowledge, clinical competency, and compassionate client care while showcasing your ability to support occupational therapists and contribute to meaningful functional outcomes. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-positioned to highlight your therapeutic capabilities and commitment to person-centred practice, making you an attractive candidate for leading healthcare organisations and rehabilitation services.
Ready to help clients achieve independence and meaningful engagement? Enhance your application with a compelling cover letter using our cover letter guide, and explore current opportunities on SEEK and LinkedIn Jobs to find the perfect occupational therapy assistant role that matches your passion for therapeutic excellence and client empowerment.
