What a rehabilitation assistant does
Rehabilitation assistants support occupational therapists, physiotherapists and other clinicians by carrying out parts of a client's rehab plan. Depending on the setting, they may run therapy sessions in hospital, practise daily living skills with clients at home or help people with brain injuries rebuild routines in the community. For an employer, skilled assistants allow therapists to serve more clients while keeping the day-to-day work of rehabilitation consistent.
Unlike a physiotherapy assistant in a clinic, a rehabilitation assistant often works across disciplines and outside a clinic setting, sometimes alone in a client's home. That calls for maturity, sound judgment and good reporting habits. Finch asks about your client population, the therapists they will support, travel needs and documentation, then screens candidates for training, experience and the temperament the work requires.
Typical responsibilities
- Carry out therapy activities assigned by occupational therapists, physiotherapists or other clinicians
- Practise daily living, mobility and community skills with clients
- Support clients with cognitive or behavioural challenges, such as after a brain injury
- Observe and report progress and concerns to the supervising therapist
- Keep accurate session notes for the care team and funders
- Prepare equipment and therapy spaces, or travel to clients in the community
Qualifications and credentials
- OTA/PTA diploma, rehabilitation or related training, commonly preferred by employers
- Experience with brain injury, neurological or orthopaedic rehab, depending on the role
- Strong communication and reporting skills
- First aid and CPR certification
- A valid driver's licence and reliable vehicle for community roles
Who hires a rehabilitation assistant
- Hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation units
- Community and auto insurance rehab providers
- Brain injury and neurological programs
- Children's treatment centres
- Long-term care and complex continuing care
Where we recruit rehabilitation assistant candidates
We fill rehabilitation assistant roles for employers across Toronto and the GTA, including North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Oshawa and Pickering, and for employers across Canada. GTA employers can meet us at our North York office by appointment.
What Finch checks before you meet a candidate
- Confirm relevant training and certificates
- Review experience with the client populations you serve
- Discuss comfort working independently in clients' homes and the community
- Check understanding of how to report changes back to the therapist
- Check references from supervising therapists or program coordinators
Interview questions to ask
- How would you handle a client who becomes frustrated or agitated during a session in their home?
- How do you report a change in a client's ability to the therapist?
- What helps you stay organized when you see several clients in different locations?