Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA)

Job Description

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant (COTA) – Home Health. Provide high‑quality, individualized care at patients’ homes in Eaton County, Grand Ledge, Charlotte, and surrounding areas. Certified Occupational Therapist Assistants support Occupational Therapists in implementing care plans, performing therapy, and ensuring compliance with regulations and reimbursement policies.

• Promote Elara Caring’s philosophy, mission, and policies to ensure quality of care.
• Assist in implementing rehabilitation plans based on Occupational Therapists findings.
• Make routine visits, re‑evaluate patient therapy needs, and communicate significant findings to supervisors, Occupational Therapists, physicians, and other team members.
• Verify the Plan of Care before each visit and provide care according to physician orders, assessment data, and established standards.
• Counsel and instruct patients and caregivers in meeting therapy needs and home exercise programs.
• Promote compliance with all fiscal intermediary and third‑party payers, identify and report potential payment or coverage problems.
• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, federal, state, and local regulations and reimbursement changes.
• Ensure continuity of quality patient care and maintain communication with clinical staff regarding updates, orders, or special instructions.
• Enter clinical notes timely and coordinate services with physicians, other staff, and disciplines.
• Implement actions to prevent avoidable hospitalizations and ER visits.
• Perform physical tasks requiring handling, lifting, and transferring patients; lift, push, pull, and support up to 50 pounds.
• Potentially work irregular hours and call hours.
• Report to the Branch Director, Clinical Manager, Clinical Supervisor, or designee.

• Graduate of a certified occupational therapy curriculum established by the Occupational Therapy Association.
• Current, unrestricted COTA certification in Michigan and active MI COTA license.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience as a COTA in a clinical care setting.
• Able and willing to travel within the coverage area (50% of time); dependable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and current auto insurance.
• Physical ability to lift, push, pull, and support up to 50 pounds.

• Competitive compensation package.
• Tuition reimbursement for full‑time staff and continuing education opportunities at no cost.
• Opportunities for advancement.
• Comprehensive insurance plans: medical, dental, vision.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid time off, paid holidays, family, pet bereavement, and pet insurance.

Elara Caring is an equal‑opportunity workplace and complies with state and federal affirmative action requirements. Individuals are recruited, hired, assigned, and promoted without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at