COTA - Inpatient Acute Care Therapist (Full-Time)

Community Health Systems; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid license renewal

Job summary

Carlsbad Medical Center is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to help patients regain independence and improve quality of life. This full-time role provides supervised rehabilitative services, supports treatment planning, and ensures continuity of care in line with regulatory standards.

You will work in an acute inpatient setting, collaborate with OTs and the rehabilitation team, document progress, and contribute to a compassionate care environment.

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of healthcare experience with adults, geriatrics, or individuals with physical disabilities required.
• 1-2 years of clinical experience in an inpatient, outpatient, or skilled nursing setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administers occupational therapy treatment programs as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist, in accordance with individualized patient care plans and established standards.
• Observes patient response to treatment, reports changes in condition, and makes recommendations to the supervising therapist for potential treatment plan modifications.
• Conducts group or individual activity-based therapy sessions designed to support or maintain function, within the defined scope of practice for COTAs.
• Documents treatments provided, patient response, and relevant observations in the medical record; ensures co-signature of progress notes by supervising Occupational Therapist as required.
• Maintains effective communication with supervising therapists, rehabilitation team members, nursing staff, and other healthcare providers to support coordinated care.
• Ensures treatment areas and equipment are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe manner; reports any safety concerns or equipment issues promptly.
• Demonstrates understanding of therapeutic precautions, contraindications, and age-specific needs when administering care.
• Attends interdisciplinary team meetings, contributes to patient care discussions, and supports performance improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates proficiency in required technical and documentation systems, including electronic health records and therapy documentation software.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Skills

Occupational therapy principles

Documentation

Team communication

Education

COTA certification

Tools

Electronic health records (EHR)

Therapy documentation software

Job description

Carlsbad Medical Center is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to help patients regain independence and improve quality of life. This full-time role provides supervised rehabilitative services, supports treatment planning, and ensures continuity of care in line with regulatory standards.

You will work in an acute inpatient setting, collaborate with OTs and the rehabilitation team, document progress, and contribute to a compassionate care environment.