Entry Level Inpatient Coding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (Per Diem) performs patient treatments and patient care activities under the general supervision of a Registered/Licensed Occupational Therapist. Position is directly responsible to an Occupational Therapist for the performance of duties as assigned and supervised by the Director of Therapy.

Apply By Date: June 1, 2026, at 11:59 pm (Recruitment and interview may occur at any time).

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload a license and/or certification if required for the position

• Certified Occupational Therapist Asst (COTA)
• Must possess current National Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) and be licensed by the California Board of Occupational Therapy.
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR
• Must have one year of work experience at an inpatient rehab hospital, or acute care settings as a COTA.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy theory and practices.
• Knowledge of current OTR, COTA, and Aide rules of practice according to the Occupational Therapy Board of California.
• Technical competency in occupational therapy treatment modalities, including activities of daily living and transfer training, strengthening, coordination, balance, range of motion, perceptual cognitive skills training, wheelchair manipulation skills, and fabrication of adapted devices.
• Ability to communicate ideas and relate well with staff and patients to work as a team member.
• Willingness to assist other staff members with their caseloads.
• Ability to establish and maintain good rapport with patients and their families.
• Ability to train family in follow-through for home therapy programs.
• Ability to communicate clearly with a wide variety of health care professionals and work cooperatively with them.
• Ability to write progress notes and other written reports as requested.
• Ability to organize and coordinate the scheduling of patients in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Ability to organize time.
• Ability to be flexible and cooperative.
• Ability to verbally communicate pertinent information and knowledge of the profession for training and educating other hospital service personnel.
• Knowledge of appropriate information required for patient and supply record keeping.
• Skill in organizing written material.
• Ability to determine continuing education goals appropriate to the job.
• Knowledge of appropriate conferences, seminars, meetings, etc., which would be beneficial to him/her.
• Knowledge of appropriate technical and professional literature in the area of the assignment.
• Ability to attend annual fire safety, CPR, infection control, and other required safety courses.
• Must have basic computer skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Clinical Educator Certification or willingness to obtain

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - Implements established occupational therapy programs in assigned areas of responsibility in collaboration with and/or under the general supervision of the registered occupational therapist. This entry-level staff therapist will be able to carry a patient's case
• 5% - Educational Activities
• 5% - Miscellaneous assignments as required

Department Overview

The primary purpose of the Joint Venture Rehabilitation Hospital is to provide a full range of rehabilitation services designed to restore patients to their optimal functional capacity. The hospital is a 52-bed rehabilitation hospital on the Sacramento Medical Center campus. It is equipped with leading-edge amenities and adaptive units where patients can practice typical activities of daily living. The rehabilitation hospital also includes a 12-bed brain injury unit and four private rooms for bariatric patients.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $47.37
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 163
• UC Job Title: OCCUPATIONAL THER CERT AST PD
• UC Job Code: 008952
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Staff: Per Diem
• Percentage of Time: 20% Part Time
• Shift (Work Schedule): Variable - 08 hours (Days)
• Location: Joint Venture Rehab Hospital, Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: No
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources, and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial, and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations, and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

• High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits, including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program, including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Extreme Temperatures - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis-owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Must be able to work in the Acute Care and Inpatient Rehabilitation settings, or any other UCDH site as needed.
• Must be able to work assigned weekends and holidays as determined by the department.
• Must be able to perform all responsibilities of a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant as required and assigned by Rehab Hospital Leadership.
• Must see well enough to observe patient reactions and read relevant monitors, relevant device settings, and relevant written information such as the patient medial record.
• Must hear and speak well enough to communicate with patients and staff throughout the day.
• Must possess the physical strength to assist with patient mobility.Must possess sufficient mobility to traverse the distances required and serve patients throughout the institution.
• Must supply all appropriate information to maintain Hospital credentialing on time.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation, clearance, and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan, and our strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere #CA-ZM
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks