Occupational Therapist Assistant

Elevation Healthcare, LLC•Jonesboro, GA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) works under the direction and supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide rehabilitative services to residents in a skilled nursing, post-acute, or long-term care setting. The COTA assists residents in developing, recovering, improving, or maintaining functional abilities necessary for daily living and independence. Through implementation of individualized treatment plans, therapeutic activities, and resident education, the COTA promotes safety, mobility, independence, and quality of life while supporting optimal rehabilitation outcomes.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program.
Current state licensure, registration, or certification as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), as required by state law.
Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, PDPM, managed care, and third-party payer documentation requirements.
Strong understanding of occupational therapy principles, treatment techniques, adaptive equipment, and rehabilitation practices.
Ability to implement treatment plans accurately and provide individualized resident-centered care.
Effective communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
Competence in clinical documentation, electronic medical records, and reimbursement-related requirements.
Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation and healthcare team.
Commitment to resident safety, quality outcomes, and professional excellence.

Nice To Haves

Experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, post-acute care, or long-term care settings preferred.
Current CPR certification preferred or as required by state regulations or facility policy.

Responsibilities

Implement occupational therapy treatment plans and interventions developed by the Occupational Therapist.
Provide therapeutic activities and exercises designed to improve residents' functional abilities and independence.
Assist residents in improving fine motor skills, coordination, strength, balance, endurance, and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Instruct residents in the use of adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and compensatory techniques to maximize functional independence.
Assist residents with training in self-care activities including dressing, grooming, bathing, feeding, and toileting tasks.
Monitor resident performance during therapy sessions and modify treatment approaches under the guidance of the Occupational Therapist.
Observe, report, and document resident responses, progress, and participation in treatment programs.
Accurately document treatments, resident progress, daily notes, and required billing information in accordance with regulatory and facility requirements.
Maintain documentation that supports medical necessity, reimbursement requirements, and clinical outcomes.
Communicate regularly with the Occupational Therapist regarding resident progress, barriers, and achievement of treatment goals.
Ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, and other payer documentation guidelines.
Maintain resident confidentiality and comply with HIPAA requirements and company policies.
Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, care conferences, and treatment planning discussions.
Collaborate with Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, nursing staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers regarding therapeutic exercises, adaptive techniques, safety strategies, and home recommendations.
Communicate resident needs, concerns, progress, and discharge recommendations to appropriate team members.
Support continuity of care through effective communication with residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
Follow established infection prevention and control practices, safety standards, and facility protocols.
Ensure therapy equipment is maintained, cleaned, sanitized, and stored appropriately.
Monitor residents for changes in condition, safety risks, or adverse responses during therapy sessions.
Report resident incidents, injuries, equipment concerns, and changes in condition promptly to the Occupational Therapist and appropriate staff.
Promote a safe therapeutic environment for residents, visitors, and staff.
Maintain professional competency through continuing education and participation in training programs.
Remain current with occupational therapy treatment approaches, adaptive technologies, and rehabilitation practices.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, program development activities, and departmental meetings.
Support organizational goals related to resident outcomes, customer satisfaction, and rehabilitation excellence.