Temporary occupational therapy jobs offer licensed professionals a practical way to stay active in the profession while choosing where, when, and how they work. Across New York and nearby areas, healthcare facilities, schools, and medical providers rely on temporary occupational therapy jobs to maintain occupational therapy services during staffing gaps. These roles support patient care, student services, and facility operations without long hiring delays.
For occupational therapists and COTAs seeking flexibility, temporary occupational therapy jobs provide access to meaningful work, varied settings, and steady demand. This guide explains how these roles work, what qualifications are required, and how to secure the right position. Therapists interested in current opportunities can explore available roles or connect with a dedicated recruiter through Flagstar Rehab’s occupational therapist staffing agency to begin the process.
Temporary occupational therapy jobs are defined by a set time frame rather than permanent employment status. These roles are designed to support facilities and schools when full-time staff are unavailable or when coverage is needed for a specific period. Temporary occupational therapy jobs can be structured as contract, per diem, PRN, travel, or school-based placements, depending on the facility and role requirements.
Unlike permanent occupational therapy jobs that focus on long-term stability, temporary roles focus on immediate service delivery. Facilities use these positions to maintain patient treatment schedules, meet education requirements, and support residents during staffing shortages. Occupational therapists often use temporary roles to gain experience, explore specialty settings, or maintain work-life balance while staying engaged in the profession.
Common temporary placement formats
Facilities and schools depend on temporary occupational therapy jobs to protect continuity of care and education services. Staffing gaps may occur due to leave, turnover, seasonal demand, or delayed hiring. Without temporary support, facilities risk service interruptions, reduced access, and increased strain on existing staff.
In medical settings, temporary occupational therapists support patients recovering from injury, illness, or disability. In schools, temporary OTs help districts meet legal and educational obligations tied to student services. These roles allow organizations to hire qualified professionals quickly while maintaining service quality and compliance.
Temporary staffing also reduces administrative burden. By working with a therapy-focused staffing agency, facilities can connect with qualified occupational therapists faster, while clinicians gain access to roles that match their experience, schedule, and specialty without added complexity.
Temporary occupational therapy jobs vary by setting, schedule, and responsibility level, which allows therapists to choose roles that match their experience and availability. These roles support medical facilities, schools, and community-based programs that need short-term coverage while maintaining consistent occupational therapy services. Understanding the differences between each role type helps occupational therapists and COTAs select positions that align with their skills, career goals, and preferred work structure.
Contract occupational therapy positions are facility-based roles with a defined start and end date. These positions are often full-time and focus on maintaining consistent treatment schedules for patients or residents. Therapists in contract roles are expected to integrate into the facility team and follow established clinical and documentation standards.
Traveling occupational therapist roles typically follow 13-week contract periods and may include housing stipends and weekly compensation. These positions allow therapists to work in different locations while providing essential medical services where staff shortages exist. Traveling roles require flexibility and the ability to adapt quickly to new facilities and teams.
Per diem and PRN roles provide coverage on an as-needed basis, often filling daily or weekly staffing gaps. These positions offer scheduling flexibility and are common in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and home health settings. Therapists working per diem roles must be prepared to manage changing schedules and caseloads.
School-based temporary OT roles provide short-term coverage when districts need additional occupational therapy staff. These positions may involve serving one school or working across multiple schools in an itinerant role. The focus is on maintaining occupational therapy services during staff absences or periods of increased student demand.
Telehealth and remote OT roles allow therapists to provide occupational therapy services through virtual platforms. These positions support patients or students who require remote access to care due to location or scheduling needs. Therapists must maintain confidentiality and follow documentation standards while delivering services remotely.
Temporary occupational therapy jobs require the same professional qualifications as permanent positions. Facilities expect therapists to meet licensing and education standards before starting work to protect patient health and service quality.
Most occupational therapy jobs require graduation from an accredited program. Many roles list a master’s degree as a baseline qualification, while some positions require an entry-level or post-professional doctorate. All occupational therapists must hold the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification and an active state license.
Common qualifications include:
COTA roles follow similar standards, with responsibilities aligned to supervision requirements and scope of practice.
The responsibilities of temporary occupational therapy jobs remain consistent across settings. Occupational therapists are responsible for evaluation, treatment planning, service delivery, and documentation. These duties apply whether the role is contract, travel, school-based, or per diem.
In medical facilities, therapists support patients through functional treatment and recovery planning. Skilled nursing facilities, OTs work closely with residents and care teams. In schools, occupational therapists support students with disability-related learning and access needs.
Core responsibilities include:
Temporary occupational therapy jobs often offer higher pay due to short-term demand and coverage urgency. Travel and contract roles may include competitive weekly rates, while per diem roles offer schedule flexibility.
While temporary roles may not provide long-term stability, they allow therapists to control workload, location, and time commitments. Many professionals choose temporary work to balance career goals with personal needs.
Benefits vary by placement model and staffing agency. Therapists should review pay structure, schedule expectations, and benefit options before accepting a role.
Staffing agencies play a central role in temporary occupational therapy jobs by connecting qualified therapists with facilities in need. Unlike job boards, agencies provide recruiter support, credential coordination, and placement planning.
A dedicated recruiter helps therapists find roles that match their specialty, experience, and schedule preferences. Agencies also support facilities by reducing time-to-hire and handling administrative coordination.
Working with a therapy-focused agency gives therapists access to:
Therapists interested in flexible placements can connect with Flagstar Rehab to review current needs and available roles. A dedicated recruiter can help identify positions that match experience, schedule preferences, and specialty interests.
Temporary occupational therapy jobs offer flexibility, steady demand, and meaningful work across healthcare and education settings. For occupational therapists and COTAs, these roles provide a way to build experience, support patients and students, and choose assignments that align with personal and professional goals. With the right support, temporary placements can lead to long-term success in the occupational therapy profession.
If you are ready to apply for temporary occupational therapy jobs or need staffing support for your facility, Flagstar Rehab can help. Our team connects qualified therapists with flexible placements across New York and nearby regions while supporting facilities with dedicated staffing solutions. Contact Flagstar Rehab today to discuss your needs and take the next step.
Traveling occupational therapist roles often pay the most because facilities need short-term coverage quickly. These positions may include higher weekly rates, housing stipends, and travel support when placed through a staffing agency.
Yes. Occupational therapy jobs are in steady demand across New York, especially in schools, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and home health settings. Temporary occupational therapy jobs help facilities fill coverage gaps faster, and therapists can explore current openings through a specialized staffing partner.
Yes, but requirements vary by country. Most international roles require local licensure and credential evaluation, so many therapists first gain experience through domestic temporary roles before pursuing work abroad.
An occupational therapist evaluates patients, develops treatment plans, and oversees care. An occupational therapy assistant provides treatment services under OT supervision. Both roles are essential to delivering effective occupational therapy services, and staffing agencies can help match each role to the right setting.