DSHS WSH Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary

DSHS WSH Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary $3,752.00 - $5,011.00 Monthly

Location Pierce County - Lakewood, WA

Job Type Full Time - Permanent

Job Number 2026-00402

Department Dept. of Social and Health Services

Division BHHA

Opening Date 01/14/2026

Closing Date 1/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

We are hiring Occupational Therapy Assistants to join our dedicated team at Western State Hospital.

As an Occupational Therapy Assistant, youll provide occupational therapy and active treatment services to patients with severe or long-term mental and behavioral health diagnoses. Youll 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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 Skills

• 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 Associations Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, best practices, and hospital standards of care.

How to Apply

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

About the Department

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.

Supplemental 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 applicants 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 drivers 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.

Employee Benefits

Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation. We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. Thats why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Benefits Overview

• Insurance Benefits
• Retirement and Deferred Compensation
• Social Security
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness
• Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Vacation (Annual Leave)
• Military Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Additional Leave
• Leave Sharing
• Parental Leave
• Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Leave Without Pay

Application Questions

1. Have you graduated from an approved educational program for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants? Yes No

2. Have you successfully completed the NBCOT Occupational Therapy Assistant certification examination? Yes No

3. In the space below, enter your Washington State License to practice as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. If you do not have this license, write N/A. ___

4. Do you have at least 18-months experience working as an Occupational Therapy Assistant? Yes No