Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Elara Caring•Oneida Charter Township, MI

About The Position

Elara Caring is seeking a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) to provide home health services. The role serves patients in their preferred home setting and supports Elara Caring’s mission to deliver quality care. Primary coverage includes Eaton County, Grand Ledge, Charlotte, and surrounding areas. An active Michigan COTA license is required. The COTA follows the Occupational Therapist’s plan of care, makes routine visits, reassesses therapy needs, and communicates significant findings and changes to supervisors, the Occupational Therapist, physicians, and other team members. The position also involves instructing patients and caregivers, coordinating care, maintaining timely clinical documentation, supporting compliance with payer requirements, and taking steps to help prevent avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits. This is a physically demanding, high-stress role that requires travel within the coverage area and the ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and support up to 50 pounds, including while positioning or transferring patients and moving equipment. The position may involve irregular hours, including call hours if applicable. The COTA reports to the Branch Director, Clinical Manager, Clinical Supervisor, or designee.

Requirements

Graduate of a certified occupational therapy curriculum established by the Occupational Therapy Association.
Current, unrestricted COTA certification in the state of work; this role requires an active Michigan COTA license.
At least one year of experience as a COTA in a clinical care setting.
Able and willing to travel within the branch or office coverage area and travel 50%.
Dependable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and current auto insurance in accordance with state laws.
Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and support up to 50 pounds, including positioning or transferring patients and moving equipment.

Responsibilities

Promote Elara Caring’s philosophy, mission statement, and administrative policies to support quality care.
Assist with rehabilitation needs by following a plan of care based on the Occupational Therapist’s findings.
Make routine visits and reevaluate patients’ therapy needs during each visit.
Communicate significant findings, problems, and changes in patient condition or environment to the appropriate supervisor, Occupational Therapist, physician, and other involved team members.
Verify the Plan of Care before each visit and provide care according to physician’s orders, assessment data, and established standards and guidelines.
Counsel and instruct patients and caregivers on therapy needs and the home exercise program, and request clarification or modifications as needed.
Promote compliance with fiscal intermediary and third-party payer requirements through education, coaching, and assistance.
Identify and report potential payment or coverage problems to the appropriate supervisor.
Maintain knowledge of and comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party reimbursement requirements.
Assure continuity and quality of patient care.
Communicate with clinical staff about schedule updates, patient data or needs, physician orders, and special instructions.
Enter clinical notes in a timely manner and document ongoing communication and coordination with physicians, staff, and other disciplines.
Implement available actions to prevent avoidable hospitalizations and emergency room visits.