Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : Phoenix, AZ, 85013
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Schedule: PRN week day shift pick upCompensation: $59.00 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: 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.
- 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
Join us for a Networking Event!
Food, fun & axe throwing at Lumberjaxes – Tempe Marketplace 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy #2105, Tempe, AZ 85288
December 8th | 5:30–7:30 PM
Meet our team from Select Medical including Select Specialty Hospitals, Banner Rehab, and HonorHealth Rehab.
Open to clinical professionals + a friend.
Click here to RSVP for Axe Throwing Networking Event
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Frequently asked questions
Phoenix’s healthcare landscape shows steady demand for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, driven by an aging population and specialized recovery centers. While competition exists, per diem roles like this offer flexible entry points, especially within facilities focused on post-ICU care, allowing therapists to build experience locally.
Arizona requires Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants to hold current state licensure or meet eligibility criteria. Additionally, maintaining certified BLS within 90 days is often mandated. Staying updated with Arizona’s occupational therapy board ensures compliance and smooth employment in Phoenix healthcare facilities.
Select Medical encourages professional development by providing extensive orientation and potential advancement to full-time roles for dedicated per diem Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants. Their environment supports skill demonstration that can open doors to more permanent occupational therapy positions.
At Select Specialty Hospital, COTAs encounter patients with complex, chronic conditions requiring tailored therapy regimens. Managing these challenging diagnoses demands adaptability, close collaboration with occupational therapists, and precise documentation, making the role both demanding and rewarding in critical care rehabilitation.
A $59 hourly wage for per diem COTAs in Phoenix aligns favorably with regional standards, often exceeding average part-time occupational therapy assistant rates. This competitive compensation reflects the specialized skill set needed for inpatient post-ICU care, offering attractive earning potential in the local job market.
Select Medical provides a robust orientation and emphasizes a supportive culture for per diem COTAs, including benefits eligibility and access to employee assistance programs. Their focus on critically ill patient recovery offers a unique clinical environment compared to more generalized therapy settings in Phoenix.
The per diem structure at Select Medical offers flexibility for COTAs seeking weekday shifts without long-term commitments. This suits therapists managing personal schedules or pursuing other professional opportunities, while still engaging in meaningful inpatient rehabilitation work within the Phoenix healthcare scene.
Phoenix’s healthcare culture emphasizes diverse patient needs, including post-ICU recovery and chronic illness management. Occupational therapy assistants here tailor interventions to this demographic mix, often working in settings like Select Specialty Hospital that prioritize extended healing and culturally sensitive care.
Applicants should showcase proficiency in individualized therapy under OT supervision, strong documentation skills, and adaptability to complex patient conditions common in critical illness recovery. Demonstrating effective communication and a compassionate approach aligns well with Select Medical’s patient-centered values.
Select Medical hosts events such as the axe throwing networking gathering in Tempe, offering COTAs a chance to connect with peers and clinical leaders locally. These occasions foster professional relationships and community engagement within the Phoenix occupational therapy landscape.