Lead Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

The Lead Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) serves as a clinical and operational leader within the inpatient rehabilitation team. Working under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist, the Lead COTA provides direct patient care to support functional recovery and maximize independence for safe discharge to the community.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, the Lead COTA plays a key role in mentoring therapy assistants and students, orienting new staff, and supporting departmental initiatives. This position also provides administrative support as needed and assists in maintaining compliance with documentation standards and regulatory requirements established by the state occupational therapy board, the Department of Health, and hospital accreditation bodies. The Lead COTA collaborates with the interdisciplinary team and therapy leadership to promote clinical excellence and support quality improvement efforts across the department.

Apply By Date: July 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload a license and/or certification if required for the position

• Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)
• Must possess current National Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and be licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy
• Must have American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) or UC Davis Health CPR
• Three years of clinical experience in the field of adult inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing (SNF), acute care, or an LTACH
• Skilled in the area of leadership
• Must be able to perform all responsibilities of an Occupational Therapist Assistant as required and assigned by the supervisor
• Established knowledge of the legal scope of practice and practice guidelines for Occupational Therapist Assistants as per the Occupational Therapy Board of California; ability to adhere to these guidelines
• Advanced communication skills; able to establish rapport and engage effectively with patients and family members, as well as with the multidisciplinary team
• Proven ability to effectively communicate with the therapist the patient's overall status
• Skilled at identifying when an occupational therapist needs to assess or treat the patient
• Sound understanding of indications and contraindications of occupational therapy interventions
• Professional competency to provide occupational therapy treatments as requested, under supervision of an OT, including ADL training, IADL training, cognitive retraining, vision and environment adaptation, therapeutic exercise, balance activities, coordination exercises, bed mobility training, transfer training, gait training, use of a variety of assistive devices for ADL/IADL retraining, transfers and functional mobility, wheelchair mobility, various modalities, and patient/caregiver education
• Ability to instruct patient/caregiver in home exercise program
• Ability to prepare equipment and patient for treatment; ability to remove and reapply splints, braces, and orthoses as needed and appropriate
• Ability to clearly and accurately document in the medical record Occupational Therapy treatment rendered, and assessment of patient response
• Ability to accurately submit charges for occupational therapy treatment rendered
• Ability to maintain the safety of the work area, check the safety of equipment, and report deficiency or malfunction of equipment immediately to the supervisor
• Ability to clean work area, mats, equipment, apparatus, and prepare linen and supplies for daily requirements
• Ability to organize and coordinate scheduling of patients in assigned areas of responsibility; able to adapt to changes in daily assignment
• Ability to utilize time efficiently
• Ability to be flexible and cooperative
• Ability to participate in departmental and sectional meetings as required, as well as to demonstrate timely completion of CPR, safety training, and any other required training
• Ability to verbally communicate pertinent information and knowledge of the profession for educating other hospital service personnel
• Skilled in areas of judgment, including clinical and non-clinical judgment

Preferred Qualifications

• One year of experience in an inpatient rehab setting
• Experience with neurological diagnoses (job or student rotation)
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, and skilled in monitoring patients' physiological status during the course of treatment; ability to respond accordingly
• Skilled in the delivery of OT theory and practices
• Willingness to assist other staff members with their caseloads
• Ability to determine continuing education goals appropriate to the job
• Ability to attend annual fire safety, CPR, infection control, and other required safety courses

Key Responsibilities

• 80% - Provides patient treatments and patient care activities directed by an Occupational Therapist from a predetermined Occupational Therapy treatment plan
• 10% - Serves as Resident COTA Expert/Lead for Acute Care
• 5% - Miscellaneous Assignments as Required
• 5% - Educational Activities

Department Overview

The primary purpose of the Joint Venture Rehabilitation Hospital is to provide a full range of rehabilitation services designed to restore patients to their optimal functional capacity. The hospital is a 52-bed rehabilitation hospital on the Sacramento Medical Center campus. It is equipped with leading-edge amenities and adaptive units where patients can practice typical activities of daily living. The rehabilitation hospital also includes a 12-bed brain injury unit and four private rooms for bariatric patients.

Department Specific Job Scope

The Lead COTA supports the mission of the inpatient rehabilitation department by delivering high-quality, patient-centered occupational therapy services aimed at restoring function, maximizing independence, and promoting safe community discharge. This role is actively involved in the day-to-day delivery of care to patients with complex medical, neurological, and orthopedic needs. The Lead COTA ensures that the delivery of therapy services aligns with departmental goals, patient safety standards, and the shared vision of restoring each patient to their highest possible level of function.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $43.66 - $54.30
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 159
• UC Job Title: OCCUPATIONAL THER CERT AST 3
• UC Job Code: 008947
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% Full-time
• Shift (Work Schedule): Day shift (08 hours)
• Location: Joint Venture Rehab Hospital, Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site
• THIS IS NOT AN H-1B VISA OPPORTUNITY

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources, and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial, and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations, and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html.

* High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program, including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional, up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional, up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent, 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis-owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Must be able to work occasional overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position.

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance, and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan, and our strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere #CA-ZM

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks