Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant(COTA) Full-Time

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

• 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.