Home Health Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

The Home Health Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) provides support to occupational therapists by assisting in the implementation of therapeutic interventions and patient care plans in a home setting. You will work directly with patients to enhance their daily living skills, improve their functional abilities and achieve their personal goals. Your role involves collaborating with the occupational therapists, patients, and their families to promote independence and improve quality of life. 

Schedule: Full-Time, Weekdays, 8 Hour Shifts

Primary Responsibilities and Duties: 

• Assist occupational therapists in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans based on patient assessments and goals.  
• Perform therapeutic activities and exercise to help patients improve their daily living skills, including fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and cogitative functions. 
• Educate patients and their families on therapeutic techniques, adaptive equipment and home modifications to support functional independence.  
• Monitor and document patient progress, responses to therapy, and changes in condition, reporting significant findings to the supervising occupational therapist.  
• Provide guidance and support in the use of adaptive devices and assistive technology to enhance patients’ ability to perform daily activities.  
• Collaborate with the occupational therapist and other healthcare professionals to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to patient care. 
• Assist with patient mobility and transfers as needed, ensuring safety and comfort during therapy sessions. 
• Maintain accurate and up to date patient records and documentation in compliance with regulator and organizational standards. 
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development to stay current with best practices and advancements in occupational therapy. 
• Perform all other duties assigned.  

Job Qualifications: 

• Associate’s degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant program from an accredited institution. 
• Valid Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) license in Kansas and Missouri. 
• 1 or more years of OTA experience, preferably in a home health or similar setting.
• Knowledge of occupational therapy principles, techniques, and best practices. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with patients, families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. 
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple responsibilities, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to build rapport with patients through a compassionate and caring demeanor.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and transfer patients, with or without assistance, up to 50lbs.
• Capability to perform physical tasks such as bending, standing, walking, and climbing stairs for extended periods. 
• Strength to handle therapeutic equipment and assist patients with mobility and physical activities. 
• Visual acuity and dexterity for performing tasks such as reading medical records, administering injections, and handling therapeutic tools. 
• Ability to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergency situations.
• Capacity to work in various home environments which may include navigating stairs, tight spaces, or uneven surfaces. 
• Maintain regular attendance and timeliness as set forth within the work schedule designated by the department supervisor/manager.
• Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations. 
• The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.