Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Full-Time

Westgate Gardens Care Center
Pay Range: $40-$45 per hour (BOE)
Position Summary

Westgate Gardens Care Center is seeking a dedicated Full-Time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to join our rehabilitation team. The COTA works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to provide direct patient care and assist with patient-related activities.

This position plays an essential role in helping residents regain independence, improve functional abilities, and achieve optimal rehabilitation outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide skilled therapy treatments to residents as directed by the Occupational Therapist.
• Deliver therapy services in accordance with physician treatment plans and established care plans.
• Record daily treatment notes and weekly progress notes in compliance with the Occupational Therapy Board State Practice Act and payer requirements.
• Document recertifications and treatment modifications per facility policy and regulatory guidelines.
• Communicate resident progress, concerns, and treatment plans with the supervising Occupational Therapist and interdisciplinary team members.
• Assist nursing staff with training Restorative Aides as needed.
• Participate in discharge planning and caregiver education.
• Instruct families and nursing staff on maintenance programs in preparation for discharge from therapy services.
• Participate in facility in-service training programs.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of treatment areas.
• Report equipment concerns to ensure proper maintenance and safety.
• Maintain professional, respectful relationships with residents, families, staff, and colleagues.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Education and Experience

• Licensed as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) in the State of California.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record systems such as Casamba and/or PointClickCare preferred.
• Experience in a skilled nursing or post-acute setting preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and understand technical procedures and policy manuals.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to effectively interact with residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Ability to apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions in practical therapy situations.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, or diagram-based instructions.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Current, active, and unencumbered Occupational Therapy Assistant license in the State of California.
• Must meet continuing education requirements per state regulations.
• Must maintain license in good standing with the state board at all times.

Physical Demands

The essential functions of this position require:

• Frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting.
• Frequent reaching, pushing, pulling, talking, and hearing.
• Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling.
• Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception with the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This position operates within a skilled nursing and rehabilitation environment. The noise level is typically low to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Additional Information

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. This description reflects the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Westgate Gardens Care Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.