Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Lompoc, California
Lompoc Unified School District Float Pool

Job Opportunity: Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) - Travel/Contract

Location: Lompoc, California
Specialty: Therapy/Rehabilitation
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 20 weeks (interpreted from 20)
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 37.5 billable hours per week
Start Date: January 19, 2026
End Date: June 5, 2026

Job Description

• In-person COTA position.
• Candidate must have a California COTA certification or be eligible to work on a temporary COTA certification.
• Candidate must complete fingerprinting and background checks prior to start.
• Candidate must be willing to arrive at least 1 week before the start date to complete fingerprinting and other onboarding requirements.
• Start date may be delayed if fingerprinting or other onboarding steps are not completed on time.

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Therapy/Rehabilitation (COTA)
• Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum required by California certification standards.
• Prior travel experience: Not required (no explicit mention of prior travel experience requirement).

Certifications & Licenses Required

• California COTA Certification (or temporary COTA certification accepted)
• Fingerprinting:

  • Both Aya Healthcare and client fingerprinting required.
  • Client fingerprints must be done in-person and cannot pend at start.
  • Paraprofessionals without 48 college credit hours must pass a paraprofessional exam before fingerprinting.
  • Fingerprint results must clear prior to start.
• Background Checks:

  • Criminal background check within 1 year of start, updated annually.
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 1 year of start and updated annually.
• CPR/BLS:

  • CPR is required by the client for paraprofessionals.
  • Online CPR accepted as a placeholder for up to 6 months; in-person CPR or BLS training must be completed within 6 months.
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) required for CNAs and state-mandated for RNs/LVNs.
• National Certification Verification:

  • NBCOT certification verification required for OT and COTA.
• State License Verification:

  • California state license verification required.
• Educational Services - State Teaching Credential:

  • Not specifically required for COTA but relevant for other educational roles.
• Other Required Trainings:

  • CA Positive Behavior Training Certificate (annual state mandate).
  • Harassment Prevention Training Certificate.
  • Educational Services - Mandatory Reporter training (must be completed prior to start).

Education & Exams

• Paraprofessionals without at least 48 college credit hours must pass the ESSA/Paraprofessional Competency Exam before fingerprinting.
• Official transcripts may be required depending on the candidate’s background and role.
• Candidates must comply with client-specific transcript submission requirements.

Health & Safety Requirements

• TB Testing:

  • California TB Risk Assessment or negative TB test required within 60 days of hire.
  • Annual TB questionnaire required if past positive TB test.
  • TB clearance valid for 4 years.
• Physical Exam: Not required unless specifically requested by client.
• Drug Testing: Not required unless specifically requested by client.
• Flu Vaccination: Not required unless specifically requested by client.

Additional Requirements

• Candidate must complete all required accounting and facility-specific documents prior to start.
• Candidate must comply with all state mandates and client-specific onboarding procedures.
• Candidate must be prepared for fingerprinting and background check processes that may take several days to weeks for clearance.

Summary

This is a travel contract position for a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in Lompoc, CA, requiring a valid California COTA certification (or temporary certification), fingerprinting, background checks, and compliance with state and client-specific mandates including TB clearance and mandatory trainings. The contract length is approximately 20 weeks, with a full-time schedule Monday through Friday. Prior travel experience is not required. Candidates must be prepared to arrive at least one week before the start date to complete onboarding requirements.