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Mercy

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant - Per Diem at Mercy

Mercy No longer available

Job Description

Find your calling at Mercy!

Under the general supervision of alicensed Occupational Therapist and according to standards of treatment, assists with objective assessments as well as comprehensive individualized treatment programs for patients of all age ranges, according to departmental policies and procedures. Performs duties andresponsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.
- Assist with initial assessment on each patient upon receiving direction from O.T.R./L. and according todepartmental policies and procedures.
- Document the course of patient care including progress notes and the continuing need for treatment according to departmental policy.
- Administer appropriate modalities, exercise regimes, or treatment procedures according to departmental policies and procedures on standards of treatment care.
- Maintain progress notes and departmental records on each patientaccording to departmental policies regarding documentation and charges.
- Participate in promoting education within the department
- Demonstrates knowledge of special needs and behaviors ofspecific age groups to include neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.
- Perform miscellaneous job duties observed as directed by the Inpatient PhysicalMedicine Supervisor.

Position Details:

Location

Mercy Hospital Jefferson 

1400 US Highway 61

Festus, MO 63028

Hours/Schedule

Per Diem

Days/Rotating Holidays/Weekends


Qualifications:

  • Education: Must be a graduate of an accredited Occupation Therapist Assistant program.

  • Licensure: Current license for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant or eligible for licensure in state of practice.

  • Experience: One year experience is preferred but will consider new graduates.

  • Certifications: BLS certified. Required certifications must be current before assigned to care for patients independently.

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.

Typical entry-level pay: $60k for Occupational Therapy Assistants nationally

National salary averages
Expected entry-level
$60k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$49k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $87k

Pay increases slowly with experience in this field.

Raises may be modest; negotiate well upfront.

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Limited
Mobility
Moderate
Durability
Somewhat fragile

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
High turnover market

Many openings, but pay doesn't scale as much with experience.

+19%
10yr growth
Typical: Associate's degree

Good time to build expertise—demand will chase supply.

Labor data: BLS 2024