Occupational Therapy Assistant, Certified (COTA) - Acute/Inpatient

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

Make a difference every day at Carlsbad Medical Center! We’re seeking a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant to help patients regain independence and improve quality of life. This is a full‑time position with competitive pay, paid license renewal, generous PTO, and comprehensive health benefits—all in a supportive environment where your skills and compassion truly shine.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• Comprehensive Benefits – medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) with employer match.
• Work-Life Balance – PTO, sick time, and flexible scheduling.
• Career Growth – collaborate with experienced OTs and expand your expertise.
• Acute Care, Inpatient setting
• Full Time

Job Summary

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides rehabilitative services under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR), assisting patients in achieving functional goals related to daily living and mobility. This role supports treatment planning by implementing prescribed therapeutic interventions, observing and reporting patient progress, and contributing to the continuity of care in alignment with individualized care plans and regulatory standards.

Essential Functions

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, techniques, and assistive devices.
• Ability to follow treatment plans, observe patient performance, and document clinical data accurately.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Understanding of patient safety, infection control practices, and age-appropriate care.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and electronic documentation platforms.

Licenses and Certifications

• COTA - Occupational Therapy Assistant – Certified in state of employment required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required

This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for any employer