Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Posted Friday, October 9, 2026 at 6:00 AM

Position Summary: 

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) implements, under the supervision of the Occupational Therapist, an occupational therapy program for PACE patients to help them remain independent and live safely in the community. Additionally, the COTA executes occupational therapy programs tailored to each participant’s needs. The COTA encourages participation in tasks and therapies designed to restore, reinforce, and enhance independence and productivity following illness or injury. The COTA serves the center’s geriatric population of PACE participants, helping them remain independent and live safely in the community.

Essential Functions of the Job :

• Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, implements individualized and group occupational therapy treatments for PACE-enrolled patients accessing day services. 
• Under the direction of the Occupational Therapist, implements the individualized plan of care to decrease or eliminate disability, increase or maintain independence, and develop function to the maximum level. Recommend treatment modifications as needed.
• Ensure the individual follows the plan of care.
• Guide patients and caregivers in using adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative, and self-care activities to improve function.
• Evaluate treatment effectiveness and recommend goal modifications as needed.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient's health record.
• Ensure services are provided in a therapeutic setting that restores dignity and self-esteem to all patients.
• Assists the Occupational Therapist to ensure that required equipment and supplies for the 
• Occupational therapy program are available or ordered as needed.
• Keeps abreast of all regulations and standards to ensure compliance with orders or directives issued by duly constituted government/regulatory agencies (PACE, CMS, DHCS, etc)
• Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain and follow established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental, and infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings, and workshops.
• Adhere to and model SYHC’s core values and behaviors of Excellence, Empowerment, Integrity, and Respect.
• Adheres to SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality policies and practices. Must adhere to the schedule shift established by the Supervisor and/or Center Manager
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.
• Able to perform MAX A transfers.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Job Requirements

Education Required:

• Certified as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the State of CA

Experience Required:

• 2 years field experience with the geriatric population beyond completion of degree requirements. 

Certifications Required:

• Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in the State of CA.
• Passing scores on national and state examinations. 
• BLS/CPR Certification.

Verbal and Written Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Excellent oral, written, and computer skills. 
• Bilingual skills preferred.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and to participate in a multicultural, multidisciplinary team.

Technical Knowledge and Skills Required to Perform the Job:

• Knowledge of principles and methods for treating and rehabilitating disabilities and functional impairments. 
• Ingenuity and imagination in adapting modalities to individual needs. Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on Aging. 
• Patience and strong interpersonal skills.

Equipment Used:

• Parallel bars.
• Full-view mirror.
• Overhead pulley and weights.
• Set of training stairs.
• Treatment table 
• Wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches and other ambulation aides.
• Physical Modalities agents such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation machines
• Bikes, treadmills, and other exercise equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, and stand for long periods. Occasional lifting of heavy objects.
• Commitment to long-term care in a community setting and promoting maximum patient independence and functional ability.
• May face hazards from moving heavy equipment and lifting patients or helping them turn, stand, or walk. 

Universal Requirements:

Pre-employment requirements include I-9, physical, positive background and reference check results, complete application, new hire orientation, pre-employment PPDs. Compliance with all mandated vaccinations and all boosters is a term and condition of employment.

About Us: San Ysidro Health is a Federally Qualified Health Care organization committed to providing high-quality, compassionate, accessible, and affordable healthcare services for the entire family. Seven women founded the organization in search of medical services for their families and community. Almost 50 years later, San Ysidro Health now provides innovative care to over 108,000 patients through a vast and integrated network of 47 program sites across the county. We could not serve our patients without the dedication of our passionate, hardworking employees. Apply today and join our mission-driven team! San Ysidro Health has a long-standing commitment to equal employment opportunity for all applicants. Employment decisions including, but not limited to, those such as employee selection, performance evaluation, administration of benefits, working conditions, employee programs, transfers, position changes, training, disciplinary action, compensation, and separations are made without regard to race, color, religion (including religious dress and grooming), creed, national origin, nationality, citizenship status, domestic partnership status, ancestry, gender, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, civil union status, family status, age, mental or physical disability (including AIDS or HIV-related status), atypical heredity cellular or blood trait of an individual, genetic information or refusal to submit to a genetic test or make available the results of a genetic test, military status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.