Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Associate’s degree from an ACOTE-accredited occupational therapy assistant program.
- Certification: Current NBCOT certification as a COTA.
- Licensure: Active, valid Texas OTA license issued by the Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners (TBOTE).
- Experience: Preferred — one year in occupational therapy practice; new graduates may be considered with demonstrated competence.
- Other: Valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and ability to travel to patient homes.
- Must pass agency-required background check, drug screening, and meet health requirements (TB test, immunizations, etc.).
Core Responsibilities
- Patient Care
- Provide occupational therapy services in the home setting under the plan of care established by the OT.
- Deliver interventions such as ADL/IADL training, energy conservation, home safety education, therapeutic exercises, adaptive equipment training, and caregiver instruction.
- Observe, record, and report the patient’s response to treatment, progress, and any changes in condition.
- Supervision and Compliance
- Work under the supervision of a licensed OT in accordance with Medicare, state practice laws, and agency policies.
- Participate in regular case conferences with the OT and interdisciplinary team.
- Ensure documentation meets Medicare Conditions of Participation (CoPs) and CMS guidelines.
- Immediately report changes in patient status to supervising OT and physician as appropriate.
- Documentation
- Accurately complete visit notes, care logs, and other required documentation within required timeframes.
- Record all care provided in the agency’s EMR system in compliance with HIPAA.
- Professional Standards
- Maintain continuing education and competency per Texas OTA licensure requirements.
- Adhere to the AOTA Code of Ethics and agency standards of practice.
- Represent the agency professionally during all patient and caregiver interactions.
Supervision & Limitations
- The OT must complete initial and comprehensive assessments, establish the plan of care, perform recertifications, and discharge planning.
- The COTA may not perform initial evaluations or alter the plan of care independently.
- Services by the COTA are billed under the supervising OT’s plan of care.
- General (not line-of-sight) supervision is acceptable, but the OT must remain involved in ongoing patient care, including periodic reassessments.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to drive and travel between patient homes.
- Physical stamina to perform patient care activities (lifting, transferring, bending, standing, walking).
- Must be able to carry and handle adaptive equipment and therapy materials.
Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
