Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)

Location: Snellville, GA & Bozeman, MT
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Clinical Manager and Supervising Occupational Therapist

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) is responsible for providing skilled therapy interventions under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT). This role involves executing treatment plans, educating patients and caregivers, documenting progress, and supporting the patient’s therapeutic goals in the home health setting. The COTA plays an essential role in helping patients regain independence and improve functional capabilities.

Candidates must meet one of the following:

• Licensed or otherwise regulated as an Occupational Therapy Assistant in the state of Georgia (or state of practice), unless licensure does not apply.

• Graduate of an ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant education program.

• Eligible for or have passed the NBCOT certification exam for Occupational Therapy Assistants.

• Individuals with prior certification or experience per legacy CMS guidelines (pre-2010) will also be considered.

• If educated outside the U.S., must meet substantially equivalent educational and certification standards and hold NBCOT certification.

Preferred: Minimum of two years' experience in a clinical or home health setting.

• Implement therapy services according to the plan of care developed and supervised by the Occupational Therapist and signed by the physician.

• Utilize orthotics and adaptive devices as instructed by the supervising OT.

• Deliver therapeutic activities designed to restore function and enhance performance in daily living tasks.

• Document and report patient progress, condition changes, and treatment responses to the OT and Clinical Manager.

• Teach patients, caregivers, and healthcare team members proper techniques for exercises, transfers, and activities of daily living.

• Assist with the fabrication and ordering of adaptive equipment as needed.

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in compliance with agency policy.

• Attend and contribute to care conferences and interdisciplinary meetings.

• Stay informed of evolving therapy techniques, documentation standards, and patient care practices.

• Participate in agency training programs and in-services as required.

Physical Requirements:

• Clear speech, hearing, and vision to communicate and assess patient needs.

• Manual dexterity to operate computers, therapy equipment, and mobile devices.

• Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds safely.

• Physical agility to travel between homes and perform care in diverse residential environments.

Work Environment:

• Work performed in both office and home care settings.

• Exposure to varied home conditions and potential environmental hazards.

• Occasional interaction with patients, families, and other professionals under emotionally sensitive conditions.

• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to all agency policies.

• Demonstrate professionalism and integrity in all interactions.

• Travel to patient homes as assigned, following appropriate infection control and safety standards.