Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in California
Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in skilled nursing facilities, pediatric clinics, acute rehabilitation units, and school-based settings, with openings at every level from new graduate through senior clinician. Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area generate the largest share of postings, anchored by major employers like Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and the Los Angeles Unified School District. Pediatric rehabilitation, geriatric care, and hand therapy are the most consistently in-demand specializations across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Overview
This role is based in an Assisted Living, Independent Living, and Memory Care setting. We are open to full-time, part-time or PRN
Full-Time, scheduled up to 40 hours per week ($39-$43/hr)
Part-Time, scheduled up to 20-25 hours per week ($39-$43/hr)
PRN ($45-$50/hr)
Summary
Provide Occupational Therapy and related services for patients under the direction of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) while maintaining positive levels of interaction with communities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of occupational therapy and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines. Provide quality patient care including: ongoing treatment per a plan of care, supervision of Rehab Techs (where required), and case management responsibilities. Maintain professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation’s commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with communities and clients. Adhere to all state and federal regulations regarding occupational therapy.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Under the direction of the licensed occupational therapist, optimize the functional abilities and skills of patients in communities by:
- assist in screening and providing input to initial evaluation of all patients as appropriate
- implement treatment for all assigned patients;
- comply with state and federal guidelines regarding accurate and timely billing and documentation.
- establish and maintain effective interactions with patient, interdisciplinary team, and other clientele which reflects patient-centered care.
- Provide direct supervision to rehab techs in tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes appropriate utilization of resources and enhances quality of patient in accordance with state practice acts, federal regulations, and Reliant Rehabilitation.
- Build a strong occupational therapy assistant program by participating in the following activities:
- actively integrating occupational therapy’s role into community and interdisciplinary treatment plan;
- contributing to community patient care, utilization review, case management, administrative staff / department head, and family conference activities and communications, as directed by the OT;
- establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with other health care professionals and colleagues in the community;
- making appropriate referrals to other members of the rehabilitation team;
- maintaining awareness of changes in patient population, patient conditions, and programs, and keeping the licensed or registered occupational therapist informed directly, and in a timely manner, of patient progress and community issues;
- adhering to established community policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control, and emergency preparedness situations; and
- adhering to the requirements of the patient’s rights and privacy.
- Enhance clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities.
- Maintain valid state license (where appropriate). Maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of occupational therapy and the health care environment.
- Understands various relevant payment models related to billing and treatment guidelines, as well as clinically appropriate means/modes of delivery. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
- Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a community.
- This position requires patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a workday/shift. Must be capable of lifting fifty (50) pounds of dead weight alone.
- Maintain confidentiality of Reliant Rehabilitation, community, and patient information.
- Must conduct self in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner at all times.
- Must adhere to the policies, principles, and guidance within the Team Member Handbook and Code of Business Conduct.
- Must be able to travel between communities during scheduled hours.
- Must be able to work varying hours and shifts, including weekends and holidays.
- Attends all mandatory meetings, trainings, and assignments as delegated.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Competency:
Prior to beginning patient care for Reliant Rehabilitation, a peer OT may complete a Competency Checklist. To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Effective clinical problem-solving skills to include but not limited to: identify and prioritize issues in a responsive manner, develop sound and innovative action plans, execute action plans on a timely basis, and ensure appropriate results
- Be a strong team player
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to build strong relationships with a diverse population
- Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English: instructions, correspondence, charts, memos, and reports
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, productive work environment
Education/Experience
Graduate of an ACOTE accredited school of occupational therapy.
See All 20 Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in California
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Find JobsOccupational Therapy Assistant Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- HealthPRO Heritage4

- CommonSpirit Health2

- Kaweah Health2

- Reliant Rehabilitation2

- Sharp HealthCare2

Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services16
- Education2
- Consulting & Professional Services1
- Non-Profit & Social Services1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in occupational therapy assistant jobs across California.
- Active California COTA license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy
- Associate degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program
- Current NBCOT certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Current CPR and Basic Life Support certification from an approved provider
- Experience working within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation or clinical care team
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems used in California clinical settings
Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a occupational therapy assistant in California?
To work as an occupational therapy assistant in California, you must hold a license issued by the California Board of Occupational Therapy. The path begins with completing an associate degree from an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, passing the NBCOT certification exam, and then applying to the California Board of Occupational Therapy for your state license. You cannot practice until the California license is issued, and renewal requires continuing education every two years.
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in California?
Occupational therapy assistants in California earn a median of about $81,770 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,680 for the lowest 10% to over $104,990 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire occupational therapy assistants in California?
Employers hiring occupational therapy assistants in California right now include HealthPRO Heritage, CommonSpirit Health, and Kaweah Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large integrated health systems, skilled nursing chains, and school districts consistently post the highest volume of openings and frequently recruit for multiple specialties at once.
Which California cities have the most occupational therapy assistant jobs?
Chula Vista, Hayward, and Los Gatos have the most occupational therapy assistant openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego drive volume through their dense networks of hospital systems, rehabilitation centers, and public school districts, while Bay Area demand is concentrated in outpatient clinics and pediatric specialty practices affiliated with large academic medical centers.
Are there remote occupational therapy assistant jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Occupational therapy assistant work is fundamentally hands-on, so most roles require in-person patient contact. About 0% of occupational therapy assistant openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and those positions typically involve administrative coordination, telehealth-supported home programs, or supervisory roles rather than direct treatment sessions.
How can I get hired as a occupational therapy assistant in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to new-graduate positions at California skilled nursing facilities, which routinely hire newly licensed COTAs and provide structured mentorship. Large California employers like Kaiser Permanente and regional rehabilitation chains run structured onboarding programs for early-career clinicians. Candidates coming from roles as OT aides, rehabilitation technicians, or restorative nursing assistants have a strong lateral advantage. Holding an active California COTA license before applications go out is the single most important credential for clearing initial screening filters.
Where can I find and apply to occupational therapy assistant jobs in California?
You can find and apply to occupational therapy assistant jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across health systems, outpatient clinics, school districts, and skilled nursing facilities. Find roles that fit your specialty and location, then apply directly to each employer.
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