COTA - Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant

Sierra Home Health and Hospice•Las Cruces, NM

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Sierra Health Care is hiring a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) for home health in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The COTA delivers skilled occupational therapy in patients’ homes under the direction of a licensed occupational therapist, helping patients improve function, regain independence, and return to daily routines. The role provides one-on-one care in varied home settings and includes delegated interventions and maintenance therapy under programs established by a qualified OT. The position works primarily in the field and requires independent work with minimal daily oversight. The COTA collaborates with the interdisciplinary team, documents care and progress in the EMR, and follows clinical, safety, privacy, and organizational requirements. The role reports to an Occupational Therapist and Clinical Manager - Home Health and does not supervise other staff.

Requirements

Graduate of an ACOTE-recognized Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Current NBCOT certification.
Certified or licensed to practice as a COTA in New Mexico.
Ability to carry out delegated care plans and communicate openly with the supervising OT.
Strong interpersonal skills with patients, caregivers, and clinical colleagues.
Basic computer proficiency and comfort learning EMR systems.
Commitment to quality, compliance, and ethical care in the home.
Reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and auto insurance for home visits.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, assist with mobility or equipment, perform heavy lifting, and travel locally in various weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Two years of clinical experience preferred.
Home health experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Deliver occupational therapy interventions in patients’ homes as delegated and supervised by a licensed OT.
Provide maintenance therapy services under programs established by a qualified OT.
Use therapy techniques to improve function, reduce disability, and promote independence in daily living.
Teach patients and caregivers home programs, fine motor exercises, and adaptive techniques.
Monitor patient responses to treatment and report changes in condition or safety concerns to the supervising OT.
Document services, progress, clinical interventions, care coordination, and communication in the EMR and in a timely manner.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team in care planning and patient care conferences.
Participate in in-service training, QAPI initiatives, interdisciplinary meetings, case reviews, and continuing education opportunities.
Provide care in accordance with infection control, safety, and risk prevention protocols.
Maintain compliance with HIPAA and company privacy and confidentiality standards.
Represent the organization professionally in patients’ homes and community settings and provide courteous, timely customer service to patients, families, and partners.
Work independently with minimal daily oversight, demonstrate initiative, and adapt to changing responsibilities and assignments.
Use organizational technology systems and tools for communication, documentation, productivity, and data management.
Follow organizational policies, including the job description, mission, and Employee Handbook, and communicate respectfully to support team goals.
Perform other duties as assigned or required in the best interests of the company.