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Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : Des Moines, IA, 50314-2610
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Location: Des Moines, Iowa
Schedule: Per Diem / As Needed; Varied Daytime Hours Monday - FridayCompensation: $31.00 Per Hour
Select Specialty Hospital is a critical illness recovery hospital committed to providing world-class inpatient post-ICU services to chronic, critically ill patients who require extended healing and recovery. We help patients during some of the most vulnerable, painful moments of their lives – and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants (COTA) play a central role in providing compassionate, excellent care every step of the way.
Why Join Us:
- Start Strong: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) 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
- 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
In Iowa, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants must hold current state licensure or be eligible for it. For per diem roles like this, maintaining licensure is crucial to comply with state regulations and deliver quality care under an occupational therapist’s supervision.
Per diem COTAs often experience flexible daytime shifts Monday through Friday, adapting to patient needs and facility demands. This variability helps balance personal commitments while providing critical care during peak rehabilitation times in Des Moines hospitals.
COTAs possess formal licensure and can conduct individualized therapy treatments under OT supervision, whereas aides primarily assist with non-clinical tasks. This certification enables COTAs to modify therapy approaches based on patient responses, ensuring adaptive recovery plans.
Select Medical encourages per diem COTAs to demonstrate clinical proficiency and dedication, potentially opening doors to full-time roles. Their orientation and ongoing education programs support skill enhancement, fostering long-term growth within a specialized critical illness recovery setting.
The company provides access to continuing education seminars and in-services, enabling COTAs to stay current with best practices. This commitment ensures per diem staff deliver evidence-based therapy aligned with the hospital’s mission for exceptional patient recovery.
Per diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in Des Moines typically earn around $31.00 per hour, reflecting the specialized skills required and the region’s healthcare compensation standards for rehabilitation professionals.
Des Moines shows moderate to increasing demand for per diem COTAs, driven by specialty hospitals focusing on post-ICU recovery. This niche requires skilled assistants to manage complex patient needs, creating steady opportunities amid a growing healthcare market.
Yes, having or obtaining Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within the first 90 days of employment is often mandatory. This credential demonstrates readiness to handle patient emergencies, aligning with Select Medical’s high standards for patient safety.
Select Medical fosters a collaborative and patient-centered environment. Per diem COTAs benefit from supportive teams emphasizing compassionate care during challenging recovery phases, with a culture valuing flexibility and professional development.
Prospective COTAs should pursue accredited occupational therapy assistant training programs that meet Iowa’s licensure requirements. Supplementing education with internships or clinical hours in acute or specialty hospital settings enhances readiness for per diem roles.