Certified Occupational Assistant (COTA) - Home Care

Company: Carle Health
Location: Champaign
Posted on: June 16, 2026

Job Description:

Overview

The Home Care Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) gives input into treatment plans for patients of all ages to resume or adjust activities of daily living. Collaborates with health care team and follows patient's plan of care as developed by the Occupational Therapist. Serves as a role model in the delivery of professional services and as a clinical resource for staff and students. Hours may vary depending upon census and program need.

This position qualifies for a sign-on bonus

Qualifications

Education Level

Field of Study

Associate's Degree

Occupational Therapy Assistant

Licenses/Certifications

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

And

Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA)

And

Driver's License - Varies

And

Proof of Auto Insurance - Varies

Work Experience

Length of Experience

1+ years

Specialized Knowledge and Skills Requirements

Ability to work as a member of a interdisciplinary team. Drives reliable transportation and maintains state required insurance and valid Illinois Driver's License.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

Reviews orders as received and follows patient plan of care as determined by Physician and OT.

Educates patient and family members in a manner that overcomes barriers; matches their learning capabilities and meets fundamental needs.

Documents through comprehensive detail about patient visit, information is sufficient that following staff can determine exactly what and how care was rendered with a clear plan for the next contact. Documents within guidelines and timeframes set by regulatory requirements and/or department policy.

Collaboratively communicates and initiates case conferencing as necessary and documents interactions (other disciplines, MD, care coordinator, insurers, etc.).

Documents care plans and patient/family assessments; the documentation indicates evidence of therapy knowledge, assessment skills, and critical thinking.

Documents that assessment of pain includes presence, characteristics, and factors assciated with exacerbation of pain and reassessments are made for relief indicators.

Anticipates and orders an appropriate quantity of supplies with sufficient lead time that patient does not run out of supplies between visits.

Educates and documents discharge planning prior to discharge , including communication with physician, insurance source, outpatient visits and community resources are planned and arranged if applicable. Patient is provided with discharge documentation.

Completes audits and other assigned tasks within assigned time frame.

Assists OT by giving input regarding the evaluation of the patient's level of function by applying diagnostic and prognostic procedures as directed by the physician or podiatrist.

Guide the patient in the use of therapeutic, creative and self-care activities for the purpose of improving function.

Observe, record and report to the physician or podiatrist the patient's reaction to treatments and any changes in the patient's condition. Communicates this to OT and documents information in patient record.

Instruct other health team personnel including, when appropriate, Home Health Aides and family members in certain phase of occupational therapy in which they may work with the patient.

Be familiar with community resources and work collaboratively with social workers.

Department Specific Job Function

Assess homebound status of patients.

Follow occupational therapy plan of care to provide occupational therapy treatment in patient's home.

Communicate with patients to schedule appointment times and manage daily schedule.

Assess home safety and recommend equipment to improve patient's home safety.

Educate family/caregivers on recommended home exercise program.

About Us

Find it here.

Discover the job, the career, the purpose you were meant for. At Carle Health, we're committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected and empowered, where passion and purpose come together to positively impact the lives of our patients and our communities. Find it all at Carle Health.

Our nearly 17,000 team members and providers work together to support patient care across central and southeastern Illinois. We've grown to include eight, award-winning hospitals and a multispecialty provider group with more than 1,500 doctors and advanced practice providers. We're developing the next generation of providers and healthcare professionals through Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world's first engineering-based medical school, and Methodist College. Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Carle Health Methodist Hospital, Carle Health Proctor Hospital, Carle Health Pekin Hospital, and Carle Hoopeston Regional Health Center hold Magnet designations, the nation's highest honor for nursing care. We offer opportunities in several communities throughout central Illinois with potential for growth and life-long careers at Carle Health.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Carle Health participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For more information: .

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $23.19per hour - $38.73per hour. This represents a good faith minimum and maximum range for the role at the time of posting by Carle Health. The actual compensation offered a candidate will be dependent on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's experience, qualifications, location, training, licenses, shifts worked and compensation model. Carle Health offers a comprehensive benefits package for team members and providers. To learn more visit careers.carlehealth.org/benefits.

Keywords: Carle Health, Champaign , Certified Occupational Assistant (COTA) - Home Care, Healthcare , Champaign, Illinois