Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : Chicago, IL, 60607
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Location: Chicago, IL
Schedule: PRN / Per DiemCompensation: $42 per hour
Rush Specialty Hospital, a partnership between Select Medical and RUSH, is a 100-bed facility that combines a critical illness recovery hospital and an acute inpatient rehabilitation hospital. Our critical illness recovery hospital is committed to providing world-class inpatient post-ICU services to chronic, critically ill patients who require extended healing and recovery.
Why Join Us:
- Start Strong: Extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth transition into our setting.
- Opportunity for Advancement: Demonstrate your skills and dedication which could lead to potential full-time opportunities
- Foster Well-being: We offer benefits which support the financial, work/life and emotional well-being of you and your family members. Part time/Per Diem positions are eligible for 401k based on reaching 1,000 hours within their first anniversary or subsequent calendar year. We also offer our employee assistance program to part time employees.
- Ease the Burden: Company Paid Parking
- Your Impact Matters: Join a team of over 44,000 committed to providing exceptional patient care
Responsibilities
- Reporting directly to the Occupational Therapist, you will be treating patients with complex needs and challenging diagnoses.
- Conducting individual patient therapy regimens under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist (OT).
- Monitoring patient's response to treatment and modifying treatment during sessions as indicated in collaboration with an OT.
- Completing appropriate documentation according to department policies and procedures.
- Participating in departmental, hospital, and community continuing education seminars and in-services.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Current state licensure or eligibility for state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant required.
- Certified BLS or completion in first 90 days of employment required or as required by state regulations.
Additional Data
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago's healthcare sector offers robust opportunities for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA), especially with per diem roles increasing due to flexible demand. However, competition can be moderate, with employers seeking candidates having current state licensure and relevant experience in acute care environments.
In Illinois, holding a valid state licensure as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant is mandatory. Additionally, obtaining Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within the first 90 days enhances employability, reflecting compliance with local healthcare standards and patient safety protocols.
Working in a critical illness recovery setting involves tailoring therapy plans to patients with complex, chronic conditions. A COTA collaborates closely with occupational therapists to adjust treatments dynamically, ensuring rehabilitation aligns with patients' evolving recovery needs.
Select Medical offers pathways for per diem COTAs to transition into full-time roles by demonstrating clinical proficiency and commitment. Participation in ongoing education and integration within multi-disciplinary teams can open doors for professional growth within the organization.
Select Medical provides per diem employees with benefits like 401(k) eligibility upon reaching required hours, employee assistance programs, and company-paid parking. These perks aim to reduce stress and foster financial and emotional well-being even in part-time capacities.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants working per diem at Select Medical in Chicago are compensated at $42 per hour, reflecting competitive remuneration aligned with the specialized skills required in acute and critical illness rehabilitation settings.
Per diem COTAs often handle flexible caseloads with varied patient needs, requiring adaptability in therapy delivery. Unlike full-time roles, they may focus more on short-term interventions and collaborate intensively with supervising occupational therapists to tailor real-time treatment adjustments.
Select Medical fosters a supportive environment emphasizing teamwork and continuous learning. For COTAs, this translates into access to extensive orientation and opportunities to engage in community and departmental education, enhancing job satisfaction and professional development.