Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Company: Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute
Location: Escondido
Posted on: February 12, 2026

Job Description:

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) - Inpatient Rehabilitation Full-time Wage scale: $34.40 - $48.17 per hour $2,500 Sign-on Bonus Supportive Leadership, Superior Outcomes, Career Advancement Your experience matters At Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute, we are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. Here, you're not just valued as an employee, but as a person. As a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant joining our team, you're embracing a vital mission dedicated to making communities healthier . Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion, and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve. How you'll contribute Under guidance of supervising OTR/L: Acquires pertinent information and implements comprehensive program using varied techniques and treatment activities; reviews and modifies treatment in response to changing patient needs; identifies equipment and discharge needs. Is aware of patient injury/diagnosis and takes all necessary precautions for observing indications and contradictions. Provides treatment to diverse diagnostic populations and completes supporting documentation according to hospital policy and State Practice Act. Observes treatment affect, accomplishment of short and long term goals and recommends change to the supervising OTR/L, if needed. Communicates collaborates with support personnel regarding treatment orders as directed by the supervising OTR/L. Conducts the class/group situations (stroke, SCI, BI) as appropriate. When necessary, instructs care giver/family members in home exercise program as related to the patient's functional and self-care status: discusses necessary equipment for the home situation. Complies with department, hospital, and regulatory agency guidelines with respect to ethics, legal issues and supervisory relationships. Demonstrates professional accountability per AOTA Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Demonstrates appropriate and effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication with team members through the continuum of care. Completes timely and accurate documentation, including QI scoring, of patient treatment in the patient medical record as indicated The population is adult and geriatric patients requiring an adult medical rehabilitation program and services. Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function of participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate interventions to reduce pain after consulting with supervising OTR/L and makes appropriate physician contact as indicated. Protects patient confidentiality in regard to medical, emotional, and social status. Keeps the supervising therapist informed of patient's status, problem areas, progress, etc. Perceives the existence of problems and notifies supervising therapist for implementation of safe, effective and timely solutions. Demonstrates appropriate safety measures when implementing treatment programs. Provides input/suggestions for the physical functioning of the department in the areas of equipment management, space utilization, storage, etc. Assists in inventory and ordering of supplies and equipment. Assists in maintenance of safe, clean work environment. Assists in preparation/maintenance of daily treatment schedule. Develops home programs and instructs patients in the programs as delegated by the supervising occupational therapist. Provides written and updated treatment/coverage programs for days off. Performs discharge planning under the direct supervision of the OTR/L (prescriptions, equipment requests, and referrals). Reports on patient's status at patient care in team conference when necessary. (Team conferences should be attended by the supervising OTR/L and with the COTA in attendance.) Assists in program development and preparation to meet regulatory agency standards i.e. Joint Commission, CARF. Observes, measures and records the cardiovascular responses of heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Plans and presents educational programs for department; hospital and/or community. Provides orientation, instruction, supervision and/or guidance to ancillary staff, COTA students, and volunteers. May transport patients/equipment to/from therapy gym. Uses computer system to assist in preparation/maintenance/printing of work list and entering of charges. Utilizes specialized equipment, testing procedures and/or advanced treatment techniques with appropriate competency Other duties as assigned What we offer Fundamental to providing great care is supporting and rewarding our team. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers: Comprehensive Benefits : Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees. Financial Protection & PTO : Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off. Financial & Career Growth : Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match. Employee Well-being : Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs). Professional Development : Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities. Qualifications and requirements: Current state licensure/certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. Previous experience in the care of patients preferred. Current BLS/CPR. About us Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute is a 52-bed inpatient rehabilitation hospital located in Escondido, California, and is part of Lifepoint Health , a diversified healthcare delivery network committed to making communities healthier ® with acute care, rehabilitation, and behavioral health facilities from coast to coast. From your first day to your next career milestone-your experience matters. EEOC Statement Lifepoint Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Lifepoint Health is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment. Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.

Keywords: Palomar Health Rehabilitation Institute, Bellflower , Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA), Healthcare , Escondido, California