Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Lodi Nursing and Rehabilitation; Hermosillo (CA); On-site; USD 108,886,000 - 126,078,000; Full time

Job summary

Kei-Ai South Bay Healthcare Center in Gardena, California is hiring a licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) on a PRN basis to join a high performing rehabilitation team. The role involves providing skilled occupational therapy interventions under supervision, with a focus on ADLs, IADLs, and cognitive retraining.

The position offers flexible PRN scheduling within a well-established skilled nursing community, with a mission to improve residents' quality of life and independence.

Qualifications

• Active California COTA license required.
• Graduate of accredited COTA program; NBCOT exam required.
• CPR/BLS certification required or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Implement therapy plans under supervision of OT.
• Deliver interventions targeting ADLs, IADLs, and upper extremity function.
• Monitor patient progress and report to supervising OT.
• Document sessions accurately per standards.
• Assist in transfer, positioning, and use of equipment.
• Educate patients and caregivers on home programs.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Patient care

Education

California COTA license

OT Assistant program graduate

NBCOT certification

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | PRN | Kei-Ai South Bay Healthcare Center | Gardena, CA | $38 to $44/Hour

Make an Immediate Difference. Every Single Day. Work in the Heart of the South Bay.

Kei-Ai South Bay Healthcare Center is hiring a licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant on a PRN basis to join a high performing, mission driven rehabilitation team in Gardena, California. If you are a clinician who finds purpose in helping residents restore independence and confidence in daily life, and you want to do that work with the flexibility of PRN scheduling in a well established and respected Skilled Nursing community, this is the role you have been looking for.

We serve residents in a Skilled Nursing setting, and we are committed to the belief that every individual deserves the highest quality of life possible.

Our Mission:

We are professionals committed to serving others, nurturing life, and promoting an individual's ability to thrive.

Why Clinicians Choose Kei-Ai South Bay Healthcare Center:

Compensation

• Hourly pay range: $38.00 to $44.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Competitive PRN COTA hourly rates in the South Bay and greater Los Angeles market

Schedule and Location

• Flexible PRN scheduling that lets you work on your terms while complementing your existing commitments
• A convenient Gardena location accessible from throughout the South Bay, including Torrance, Carson, Hawthorne, and the broader Los Angeles County

Culture and Career

• A collaborative, supportive therapy team that genuinely invests in one another
• Meaningful, measurable impact on resident outcomes and quality of life across ADLs, IADLs, upper extremity function, fine motor skills, and cognitive retraining
• A stable, professionally managed environment aligned with federal, state, and local care standards

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

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

Kei-Ai South Bay Healthcare Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or California law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed during the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources or your facility Administrator.

Employment with Kei-Ai South Bay Healthcare Center is at will. Duties, schedule, and work location may be adjusted based on facility needs or any other lawful reason.

Kei-Ai South Bay Healthcare Center is located in Gardena, California, proudly serving the greater South Bay community.

At Kei Ai South Bay Healthcare Center in Gardena, CA, we’ve reimagined skilled nursing and rehabilitation by putting people first, both residents and employees. Our nurses, therapists, and support staff are empowered to deliver individualized care plans, advanced therapies, and meaningful outcomes without feeling like just another number in a system. Serving families throughout Los Angeles County, we provide short-term rehabilitation and long-term care focused on faster recovery, stronger outcomes, and a truly supportive environment.
For our team, that means working in a setting that values clinical excellence, collaboration, and respect. We prioritize manageable workflows, strong leadership support, and a culture where your voice matters. Whether you’re at the bedside, in therapy, or supporting operations, you’ll be part of a group that’s committed to doing things differently—and doing them right. Conveniently located near local hospitals, our community offers not only a great place for residents to heal, but a place where professionals can grow, feel appreciated, and build a career with purpose.