COTA-Certified Occupational Therapist Asst PRN
Listed compensation
$40-$45/hr
The week · per this posting
Schedule not stated in this posting — no days, weekends, call or nights given.
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
- Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) – PRN
- Bakersfield Post Acute
- Location: Bakersfield, CA
- Pay Range: $40.00 – $45.00 per hour (DOE)
- Status: PRN / Per Diem
- Setting: Skilled Nursing Facility | Short-Term Rehabilitation
Join a Team That Truly Cares
If you are caring, compassionate, and passionate about helping residents regain independence and quality of life, this is a great opportunity to join a supportive and collaborative rehab team. At Bakersfield Post Acute, we are committed to exceptional care and a positive, professional environment for our clinicians.
New grads welcome. Immediate availability.
Why Bakersfield Post Acute?
- Competitive PRN pay
- Supportive leadership and collaborative rehab team
- Career stability with a positive workplace culture
- Referral program
- Educational and professional development opportunities
- Skilled nursing and short-term rehab setting
General Purpose
The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist. The COTA assists residents in improving functional abilities related to activities of daily living while ensuring accurate documentation and collaboration with the interdisciplinary care team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide treatment to residents as directed by the supervising Occupational Therapist
- Implement individualized treatment plans in accordance with physician orders
- Document daily treatment notes and progress per regulatory and facility standards
- Communicate resident progress, challenges, and plans with the supervising OT and rehab team
- Assist with patient care conferences, rehab meetings, and interdisciplinary collaboration as needed
- Educate residents, families, and caregivers on therapeutic activities and carryover programs
- Assist with discharge planning and transition of care
- Maintain a clean, safe, and organized treatment environment
- Report equipment issues to ensure safe and effective operation
- Maintain positive, professional relationships with residents, families, and staff
- Supervisory Responsibilities
- This position has no supervisory responsibilities
Qualifications
- Education & Experience
- Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
- Skilled Nursing Facility or geriatric experience preferred
Licensure & Certifications
- Current, active California COTA license in good standing
- Must meet all continuing education requirements per state regulations
Skills
- Proficient in electronic documentation systems (NetHealth and PointClickCare preferred)
- Strong clinical judgment and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
Work Environment
- Inpatient Skilled Nursing Facility
- Long-term care and short-term rehabilitation
- Geriatric population
One Primary Location
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
Key Responsibilities
The COTA provides direct patient care and implements individualized treatment plans under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist. They are responsible for documenting daily treatment notes and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to support resident recovery.
Key Skills
Occupational Therapist Career Context
In California, the Occupational Therapy weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$116k (757 salary observations; 2,372 listings), vs ~$97k nationally (5,357 salary observations; 29,628 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-01-01 through 2026-11-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$88k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $80k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
| Measure | This job | Market |
|---|---|---|
| California vs national | $116k median in California | $97k nationally (+20%)757 state / 5,357 national salary observations |
| Cost-of-living adjusted pay | ~$80k in purchasing power | California index 110.7 (US = 100)BEA Regional Price Parities (2024) |
| Occupational Therapy listings in California | 902 active | 9,047 nationallylive on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Sign-on & loan repayment | not stated | California occupational therapist listings (all specialties): 16% state a sign-on bonus (median $5k) · 5% offer loan repayment951 active listings, Nov 2026 |
| New Occupational Therapy listings | 3,267 in the last 30 days | 1,694 the 30 days before (+93%)U.S., first seen on WeekdayDoc, Nov 2026 |
| Occupational Therapy pay trend | +2.9% vs prior quarter | —through Oct 2026 |
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