Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) | Full-Time | San Juan Capistrano, CA | $35 - $40/Hour

Make an Immediate Difference. Every Single Day. Work Where Others Come to Unwind.

Capistrano Senior Living is hiring a licensed Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant to join a high-performing, mission-driven rehabilitation team in San Juan Capistrano, California. If you are a clinician who finds purpose in helping residents restore independence and confidence in daily life, and you want to do that work in one of South Orange County's most beautiful and sought-after communities, this is the role you have been looking for.

We serve residents in a Skilled Nursing setting, and we are committed to the belief that every individual deserves the highest quality of life possible.

Our Mission: We are professionals committed to serving others, nurturing life, and promoting an individual's ability to thrive.

Why Clinicians Choose Capistrano Senior Living:

Compensation and Financial Security

• Hourly pay range: $35.00 to $40.00 per hour, commensurate with experience
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage

Health and Wellness Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance - the company covers the majority of Medical HMO premiums, with buy-up plan options available
• Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support
• Identity theft protection and travel insurance coverage

Work-Life Quality

• Paid Time Off encompassing vacation, sick leave, and observed holidays (available to Full-Time employees)
• Flexible scheduling considered, including Part-Time and PRN arrangements for the right candidate
• Bene-Hub employee discount programs
• A desirable San Juan Capistrano location in the heart of South Orange County, one of Southern California's most livable communities

Culture and Career

• A collaborative, supportive therapy team that genuinely invests in one another
• Meaningful, measurable impact on resident outcomes and quality of life across ADLs, IADLs, upper extremity function, fine motor skills, and cognitive retraining
• A stable, professionally managed environment aligned with federal, state, and local care standards

The Role

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant provides skilled occupational therapy interventions under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, in accordance with California state law and professional standards of practice. This position is classified as Non-Exempt and reports to the Director of Rehabilitation, the Facility Administrator, and the supervising Occupational Therapist.

Core responsibilities include:

• Implementing occupational therapy treatment plans developed by the supervising Occupational Therapist
• Delivering skilled therapeutic interventions targeting ADLs, IADLs, neuromuscular re-education, upper extremity function, fine motor skills, cognitive retraining, and adaptive strategies
• Monitoring patient performance and response to intervention, reporting progress, barriers, or clinical concerns to the supervising OT in a timely manner
• Assisting in collecting data to support progress assessments and plan-of-care updates conducted by the Occupational Therapist
• Instructing patients and caregivers in home programs, adaptive strategies, and safe equipment use as delegated
• Assisting patients with transfer activities to all surfaces, donning and doffing of appliances, and positioning in parallel bars and therapeutic equipment
• Supporting upper extremity positioning and therapeutic handling during treatment sessions
• Lifting, repositioning, and supporting patients with or without assistive devices
• Transporting patients to and from therapy areas as needed
• Setting up equipment and preparing patients for therapy sessions in alignment with the plan of care and California State Practice Act
• Supporting discharge planning activities and continuity-of-care processes as directed
• Communicating effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary team members regarding treatment activities and patient progress
• Completing timely, accurate, and compliant documentation of treatment sessions in accordance with federal, state, payer, and organizational standards
• Adhering to all supervision requirements established by California state law governing COTA practice
• Participating in team meetings, care conferences, quality assurance, and performance improvement initiatives as assigned
• Maintaining compliance with HIPAA, patient rights, infection control standards, OSHA regulations, and organizational policies
• Treating all residents with dignity, respect, and compassionate professionalism

Physical requirements include the ability to assist with patient transfers, upper extremity positioning and therapeutic handling, lifting and repositioning patients with or without assistive devices, prolonged standing, walking, bending, reaching, kneeling, and stair navigation. The ability to assist in resident evacuation during emergency situations is also required.

What You Bring

• Current, active, and unrestricted Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant license in the State of California
• Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program - required
• Successful completion of the NBCOT examination for Occupational Therapy Assistants - required
• Current CPR/BLS certification with AHA (or willingness to obtain per facility policy)
• Ongoing compliance with continuing education requirements established by the California Occupational Therapy Board
• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated maturity, composure, and professionalism in dynamic, fast-paced clinical environments
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under supervision
• A team-first mindset and a genuine passion for skilled nursing and post-acute care

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation

Capistrano Senior Living is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or California law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and


employees with disabilities. If an accommodation is needed during the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources or your facility Administrator.

Employment with Capistrano Senior Living is at-will. Duties, schedule, and work location may be adjusted based on facility needs or any other lawful reason.

Apply Today

Ready to bring your clinical expertise where it truly matters? Submit your application now. Our team reviews candidates promptly and will be in touch to schedule next steps.

Capistrano Senior Living is located in San Juan Capistrano, California, proudly serving the greater South Orange County community.