Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Lodi Nursing and Rehabilitation; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 69,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-On Bonus or Relocation Assistance

401(k) with company match

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Petaluma Post Acute Rehab in Petaluma, California is seeking a licensed Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) for a full-time role. You will work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist to deliver skilled therapy aimed at improving residents' daily living skills and independence in a 5-star Medicare-rated community.

Ideal candidates will hold CA licensure, NBCOT, CPR/BLS, and have strong communication and teamwork in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Qualifications

• Current, active California COTA license.
• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
• NBCOT examination completed or passed.
• CPR/BLS certification required or obtainable per facility policy.

Responsibilities

• Implement OT treatment plans under supervision.
• Deliver skilled interventions targeting ADLs, IADLs, upper extremity function and cognitive skills.
• Monitor patient progress and report to supervising OT.
• Assist in data collection for progress assessments and plan-of-care updates.
• Instruct patients and caregivers in home programs and safety with equipment.

Skills

Licensed COTA CA

NBCOT certification

CPR/BLS certification

Excellent communication

Team collaboration

Education

Accredited OTA program

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) | Full-Time | Petaluma Post Acute Rehab | Petaluma, CA | $50 to $55/Hour | Sign-On Bonus or Relocation Assistance Available

Build Your Career While Making a Meaningful Impact. Work at a 5-Star Rated Facility.

Petaluma Post Acute Rehab, a 5-Star Medicare rated Skilled Nursing community, is hiring a licensed Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant on a Full-Time basis in Petaluma, California. If you are a clinician looking for career stability, consistent scheduling, and a supportive clinical environment in one of Sonoma County's most respected care communities, this is an opportunity where you can genuinely thrive.

You will work alongside experienced therapists to help residents regain independence, improve daily living skills, and enhance overall quality of life in a facility that has earned the highest Medicare quality rating available.

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

Why Clinicians Choose Petaluma Post Acute Rehab:

Compensation and Financial Security

• Hourly pay range: $50.00 to $55.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Among the most competitive Full-Time COTA compensation packages available in Sonoma County and the greater North Bay market
• A pay range that reflects the clinical quality and 5-Star facility standards of a premier post-acute rehabilitation community
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match (vesting begins after one year of service)
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage

Health and Wellness Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance — the company covers the majority of Medical HMO premiums, with buy-up plan options available
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support
• Identity theft protection and travel insurance coverage
• Full benefits package available to Full-Time employees

Work-Life Quality

• Paid Time Off encompassing vacation, sick leave, and observed holidays (available to Full-Time employees)
• Consistent, stable Full-Time scheduling that supports long‑term career planning and personal stability
• BeneHub employee discount programs
• A desirable Petaluma location in the heart of Sonoma County, serving one of Northern California's most vibrant communities

Culture and Career

• A collaborative, supportive therapy team that genuinely invests in one another
• Experienced licensed Occupational Therapist supervision and direction in a well‑resourced clinical environment
• Meaningful, measurable impact on resident independence, daily living skills, and quality of life across ADLs, IADLs, upper extremity function, fine motor skills, and cognitive retraining
• A 5-Star Medicare rated community — the highest quality designation available, reflecting excellence in staffing, clinical outcomes, and health inspections
• 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

Petaluma Post Acute Rehab 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 Petaluma Post Acute Rehab is at‑will. Duties, schedule, and work location may be adjusted based on facility needs or any other lawful reason.

Petaluma Post Acute Rehab is located in Petaluma, California, proudly serving the greater Sonoma County community.

#ancrit

At Petaluma Post‑Acute Rehab in Petaluma, 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 Sonoma 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.