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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

University of California - San Francisco Campus and Health
United States, California, San Francisco
Apr 21, 2025

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Rehabilitative Services - Inpatient

Full Time

84491BR

Job Summary

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants serve in an adjunct capacity to Occupational Therapists. As certified technicians, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTAs) provide diversional and recreational activity programs and assist Occupational Therapists in therapeutic treatment programs. Incumbents read medical records of assigned patients and, without need for prior verbal instructions, independently initiate and follow the treatment plan provided by the Occupational Therapist. They write daily progress notes on patients treated, and these notes will need a co-signature by an Occupational Therapist. Incumbents instruct patients in activities of daily living skills (e.g., dressing, bathing, grooming, hygiene, kitchen, and transfer); wheelchair mobility; and community reorientation. They provide treatment to patients which may include exercises and activities to promote optimal joint range of motion, strength, endurance, coordination, balance, and independent physical function. They provide activities to patients which promote improvement of cognitive and visual-perception functions. They monitor patients' safety and report to Occupational Therapist any problems related to patient condition or safety. They may design and fabricate special equipment and devices to assist patients. They also prepare accurate charges for patients' treatment; maintain clerical records and statistical information on patients; maintain tools, equipment, and activity rooms in a clean and functional state; and order and maintain inventory for saleable and expendable supplies.

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants are distinguished from Occupational Therapists in that they are not legally able to assess, evaluate, or discharge patients. They are distinguished from uncertified occupational therapy aides in that they can treat patients without supervision and sign patients' charts with Occupational Therapist co-signature.

The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.

Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.

The salary range for this position is $42.76 - $53.28 (Hourly Rate).

To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html

"The University of California is 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, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law."

Required Qualifications


  • Minimum one year adult acute/inpatient based clinical practice
  • Completion of an Occupational Therapy Assistant training program approved by the American Occupational Therapy Association
  • Possession of current valid certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant
  • Possession of the skills, knowledge and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the position, including:
    • Complete working knowledge of, and skill to apply, practices, principles and techniques of patient care related to area of expertise
    • Written and oral communication skills to clearly and concisely provide information, explanations and instructions to, and to elicit information from, others with varying levels of ability to understand, including individuals who are ill or distressed, or who may not speak English
    • Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain a friendly, welcoming environment for clinic's/department's customers; to demonstrate an interested, understanding, compassionate manner; to maintain a courteous and calm demeanor; and to use a proactive approach to negotiate with and persuade others to take required action
    • Ability to maintain composure, efficiency and a positive, customer-service oriented manner during periods of peak workload, with frequent interruptions, under tight deadlines, and when interacting with challenging customers who may be ill, angry, or emotionally distressed
    • Problem-solving skills to independently recognize and define a problem; identify the resources available to help solve the problem; create and implement viable solutions; and follow through to ensure the problem is resolved to the satisfaction of all parties
    • Decision-making skills to independently exercise delegated authority to take action, and to recognize when it is appropriate to seek assistance from others when limits of delegated authority have been reached
    • Ability to exercise discretion to ensure that patient privacy and confidentiality is maintained and a professional, respectful clinic/department environment exists at all times
    • Maintains current knowledge of OTR, COTA and Aide rules of practice according to the AOTA governing body
  • This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations

Preferred Qualifications


  • Three years adult acute care clinical practice, including ICU and transitional care units

License/Certification


  • A California COTA license, current and in good standing
  • Current AHA BLS certification

About UCSF

At UCSF Health, our mission of innovative patient care, advanced technology and pioneering research is redefining what's possible for the patients we serve - a promise we share with the professionals who make up our team.

Consistently ranked among the top 10 hospitals nationwide by U.S. News & World Report - UCSF Health is committed to providing the most rewarding work experience while delivering the best care available anywhere. In an environment that allows for continuous learning and opportunities for professional growth, UCSF Health offers the ideal atmosphere in which to best use your skills and talents.

Pride Values

UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence - also known as our PRIDE values.

In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity - both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu

Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California San Francisco is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Organization

Health

Job Code and Payroll Title

008948 OCCUPATIONAL THER CERT AST 2

Job Category

Allied Health, Rehabilitation Services

Bargaining Unit

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees - Patient Care Technical Unit (AFSCME-EX)

Employee Class

Career

Percentage

100%

Location

San Francisco, CA

Campus

Parnassus Heights (SF)

Work Style

Fully On-Site

Shift

Days, Weekends

Shift Length

8 Hours

Additional Shift Details

Monday-Friday; Weekends

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