Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Per Diem
Company : Select Medical
Location : Newark, OH, 43055-1183
Job Type : Per Diem
Date Posted : 13 January 2026
Overview
Position: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Location: Select Specialty Hospital - Southeast Ohio - Newark, OH
Schedule: PRN - As Needed - Per Diem - Weekday ShiftsCompensation: $32.00 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.
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Frequently asked questions
In Newark, OH, holding a valid state licensure for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants is crucial, along with a current BLS certification or completion within the first 90 days. These credentials align with state regulations and local employer expectations, ensuring compliance and readiness for patient care.
Newark's healthcare sector shows moderate demand for per diem COTAs, offering opportunities but also requiring candidates to demonstrate flexibility and strong skills. Networking within local facilities and staying updated on licensing can improve chances in this moderately competitive job market.
Per diem COTAs often handle individualized therapy sessions, adjusting treatment plans under OT supervision. Their daily routine includes patient monitoring, documentation, and participation in ongoing education, which demands adaptability and focus on patient recovery during variable weekday shifts.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants specialize in helping patients regain daily living skills impacted by injury or illness, requiring strong therapeutic technique knowledge, patient communication, and ability to tailor regimens under occupational therapist guidance—skills that set them apart from physical therapy or medical assistants.
Starting as a per diem COTA offers valuable hands-on experience with potential pathways toward full-time roles or specialization within rehabilitation. Demonstrating dedication and skill in diverse clinical scenarios often leads to greater responsibilities and advancement opportunities over time.
Select Medical offers a comprehensive orientation program tailored for COTAs, fostering smooth integration into their critical illness recovery environment. They promote continuous education and encourage skill development, creating a supportive setting for per diem therapists to thrive and impact patient recovery.
Working per diem at Select Medical provides flexibility and exposure to complex cases requiring compassionate care. However, adapting quickly to varying schedules and patient needs in a specialized hospital demands resilience and proactive communication to maintain high-quality therapeutic services.
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants in Newark, OH, typically earn around $32.00 per hour in per diem positions, reflecting local market rates for skilled healthcare professionals providing specialized occupational therapy in hospital settings focused on critical illness recovery.
Select Medical’s per diem COTA roles often serve as stepping stones toward full-time employment, rewarding commitment and proficiency. Candidates demonstrating consistent performance and adaptability may find opportunities to transition into more stable positions within the facility.
At Select Medical, COTAs engage deeply with chronically and critically ill patients requiring extended recovery, which demands advanced skills and emotional resilience. This contrasts with general therapy roles by focusing on complex inpatient cases in a specialized post-ICU environment.