Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Capistrano-Senior-Living-; San Juan Capistrano (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PRN role

Flexible scheduling

Competitive pay

Job summary

Capistrano Senior Living in San Juan Capistrano, CA is seeking a licensed Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) on a PRN basis. This role supports residents’ independence and daily functioning under the supervision of a licensed OT, with scheduling built around your availability in one of South Orange County's premier communities.

As part of a collaborative therapy team, you will implement treatment plans, assist with ADLs and IADLs, document progress, and contribute to discharge

Qualifications

• Licensed CA COTA actively practicing in California.
• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program; NBCOT must be passed.
• Current CPR/BLS certification required.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a post-acute care setting.

Responsibilities

• Implement OT treatment plans under supervision of the OT.
• Deliver skilled interventions for ADLs, IADLs, dexterity, and cognition.
• Monitor progress and report to supervising OT with any concerns.
• Assist in data collection for progress and plan-of-care updates.
• Instruct patients and caregivers in home programs and safety measures.
• Support discharge planning and continuity of care as directed.
• Maintain compliant documentation per standards and HIPAA.

Skills

CA COTA license

NBCOT exam

CPR/BLS certification

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

CA OTA program graduate

NBCOT exam requirement

CPR/BLS certification

Job description

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) | PRN | San Juan Hills and Capistrano Senior Living | San Juan Capistrano, CA | $35 to $45/Hour

Flexible Work. Real Impact. Work Where Others Come to Unwind.

San Juan Hills and Capistrano Senior Living is hiring a licensed Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant on a PRN basis in San Juan Capistrano, 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 on a schedule built entirely around your availability in one of South Orange County's most beautiful and sought-after communities, this role was built for you.

Our Mission:

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

Why Clinicians Choose San Juan Hills and Capistrano Senior Living:

Compensation

• Hourly pay range: $35.00 to $45.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• Competitive PRN COTA rates in the San Juan Capistrano and greater South Orange County market

Schedule and Flexibility

• True PRN flexibility with scheduling built entirely around your availability
• Work as much or as little as your life requires
• No long-term schedule commitments required

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

Capistrano Senior Living 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 Capistrano Senior Living is at-will. Duties, schedule, and work location may be adjusted based on facility needs or any other lawful reason.

Capistrano Senior Living is located in San Juan Capistrano, California, proudly serving the greater South Orange County community.

At Capistrano Senior Living in San Juan Capistrano, CA, we've reimagined senior living by putting people first - both residents and employees. Our caregivers, wellness teams, dining staff, and support professionals work together to create a warm, engaging community where residents feel valued, connected, and truly at home. Serving families throughout Orange County, we provide personalized support, meaningful daily experiences, and a lifestyle focused on comfort, independence, and quality of life.

For our team, that means working in an environment built on collaboration, respect, and purpose. We prioritize supportive leadership, strong team culture, and a workplace where your contributions genuinely matter. Whether you're providing direct care, creating memorable resident experiences, or supporting operations behind the scenes, you'll be part of a community committed to doing things differently - and doing them well.

Conveniently located near local hospitals and the heart of San Juan Capistrano, our community offers not only a wonderful place for seniors to live, but a place where professionals can grow, feel appreciated, and build meaningful careers.