Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Sierra Vista Healthcare Center

$93K — $99K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Current, active, and unrestricted Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in California
  • Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
  • Successful completion of the NBCOT exam for Occupational Therapy Assistants
  • Current CPR/BLS certification or willingness to obtain
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated professionalism in fast-paced clinical settings
  • Passion for skilled nursing and post-acute care

Responsibilities

  • Implement occupational therapy treatment plans under supervision
  • Deliver therapeutic interventions targeting daily living skills and cognitive retraining
  • Monitor patient performance and report progress to supervising OT
  • Assist with data collection for progress assessments
  • Instruct patients and caregivers in adaptive strategies and safe equipment use
  • Support upper extremity positioning during therapy
  • Maintain compliance with documentation and treatment standards

Benefits

  • Flexible work options: full-time, part-time, and PRN
  • Supportive team environment focused on quality care
  • Opportunity for professional development and continued education
  • Engagement in interdisciplinary team meetings and quality assurance initiatives
  • Commitment to patient dignity and supportive care standards
Full Job Description
Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) | Full-Time, Part-Time, and PRN | Fresno, CA | $45 - $48/Hour

The Role

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant provides skilled occupational therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, in accordance with California state law and professional standards of practice. This position is classified as Non-Exempt and reports to the Director of Rehabilitation, the Facility Administrator, and the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Core responsibilities include:
  • Implementing occupational therapy treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist
  • Delivering skilled therapeutic interventions targeting ADLs, IADLs, neuromuscular re-education, upper extremity function, fine motor skills, cognitive retraining, and adaptive strategies
  • Monitoring patient performance and response to intervention, reporting progress, barriers, or clinical concerns to the supervising OT in a timely manner
  • Assisting in collecting data to support progress assessments and plan-of-care updates conducted by the Occupational Therapist
  • Instructing patients and caregivers in home programs, adaptive strategies, and safe equipment use as delegated
  • Assisting patients with transfer activities to all surfaces, donning and doffing of appliances, and positioning in parallel bars and therapeutic equipment
  • Supporting upper extremity positioning and therapeutic handling during treatment sessions
  • Lifting, repositioning, and supporting patients with or without assistive devices
  • Transporting patients to and from therapy areas as needed
  • Setting up equipment and preparing patients for therapy sessions in alignment with the plan of care and California State Practice Act
  • Supporting discharge planning activities and continuity-of-care processes as directed
  • Communicating effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members regarding treatment activities and patient progress
  • Completing timely, accurate, and compliant documentation of treatment sessions in accordance with federal, state, payer, and organizational standards
  • Adhering to all supervision requirements established by California state law governing COTA practice
  • Participating in team meetings, care conferences, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives as assigned
  • Maintaining compliance with HIPAA, patient rights, infection control standards, OSHA regulations, and organizational policies
  • Treating all residents with dignity, respect, and compassionate professionalism

Physical requirements include the ability to assist with patient transfers, upper extremity positioning and therapeutic handling, lifting and repositioning patients with or without assistive devices, prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and stair navigation. The ability to assist in resident evacuation during emergency situations is also required.

What You Bring
  • Current, active, and unrestricted Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in the State of California
  • Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program - required
  • Successful completion of the NBCOT examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants - required
  • Current CPR/BLS certification with AHA (or willingness to obtain per facility policy)
  • Ongoing compliance with continuing education requirements established by the California Occupational Therapy Board
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated maturity, composure, and professionalism in dynamic, fast-paced clinical environments
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under supervision
  • A team-first mindset and a genuine passion for skilled nursing and post-acute care

Apply Today

If you meet the qualifications above, we want to hear from you. Submit your application now. Our team reviews candidates promptly and will be in touch to schedule next steps.

Sierra Vista Healthcare Center is located in Fresno, California, proudly serving the greater San Joaquin Valley community.

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