Occupational Therapist Assistant - 139938

UC San Diego Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego Health is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to screen activities of daily living and establish treatment plans in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist. The role supports care across 0–21 years, with CCS paneled availability as needed, and requires effective communication with the primary therapist while adhering to UCSD Medical Center core values.

The position may be hired as an Occupational Therapist Assistant 1 or 2 depending on experience, with

Qualifications

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant licensed in California.
• BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to obtain BART within 6 months.
• Less than 2 years experience as a licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant in a hospital setting (COTA1), more than 2 years experience (COTA2).
• Knowledge of occupational therapy modalities and ability to determine expected outcomes and develop therapy interventions.
• Inpatient acute hospital experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Screen ADL functions and establish treatment with the Occupational Therapist.
• Provide occupational therapy treatments following procedures, protocols and programs.
• Communicate effectively with the primary therapist and work under general supervision.
• Assist with inventory control, clinic maintenance and organization.
• Complete required documentation and communicate patient information across the continuum of care.

Skills

COTA certification

BART

BLS

Hospital experience

OT modalities

Outcome assessment

Job description

DESCRIPTION

Screens ADL functions and establishes treatment for a variety of diagnoses in collaboration with the Occupational Therapist. If CCS paneled, the therapist will assess and treat as well as oversee the treatment of those patients 0-21 years of age. Rehabilitation Services provides care 7 days a week and CCS paneled therapists will be available as needed. Provides occupational therapy treatments following therapy procedures, protocols and programs. Communicates effectively with primary therapist and works under general supervision. Assists with inventory control, clinic maintenance and organization. Completes required documentation and communicates patient information across the continuum of care. Demonstrates competence in the UCSD Medical Center core values.

The qualifications of this posting have been updated as of 8/12/2026.

Depending on experience and verified certifications of the selected candidate, this position will be hired as an Occupational Therapist Assistant 1 or 2

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - issued by the state of California.
• BART or BLS at time of hire with commitment to get BART w/in 6 months of hire date.
• Less than 2 years experience as a licensed Occupational Therapist Assistant in a hospital setting (COTA1), more than 2 years experience (COTA2)
• Must have the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform all the various modalities in occupational therapy.
• Must be able to determine expected outcomes and to develop and prioritize appropriate therapy intervention.
• Inpatient acute hospital experience preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Must be able to work various hours, days, shifts, on-call and various locations based on the 24-hour Medical Center's business needs.
• Employment is subject to a criminal background check and pre-employment physical.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $66,774 - $83,061 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $31.98 - $39.78

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).