OTA | Occupational Therapy Assistant | PACE Program

Midland Care Connection, Inc.; Emporia (KS); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Midland Care Connection seeks an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to support older adults in the PACE program, enabling safe, independent living at home and in the community. The OTA works under a licensed OT to implement personalized plans and deliver hands-on therapy at the PACE center and in participants' homes.

The ideal candidate has COTA certification, at least one year of experience with frail or elderly individuals, and a valid Kansas driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Certification as a COTA from an accredited program.
• At least one year of experience working with frail or elderly individuals.
• Ability to work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist.
• Valid Kansas driver’s license.
• Automobile liability insurance and reliable transportation.
• Motor vehicle record that meets organizational standards.
• Preferred: geriatrics, community-based care, or PACE experience.
• Familiarity with adaptive equipment and assistive technologies.
• Current CPR or first aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Carry out individualized treatment plans focused on activities of daily living.
• Provide hands-on therapy at the PACE center, in participants’ homes, and occasionally in community settings.
• Educate participants and caregivers on safety, fall prevention, and carry-over strategies.
• Document participant progress and report changes to the interdisciplinary team.
• Assist with durable medical equipment needs.

Skills

COTA certification

1+ year experience

OT supervision

Kansas driver license

Auto liability insurance

Reliable transportation

Motor vehicle record

Job description

Midland Care Connection

Midland Care Connection is a not-for-profit, community-based organization in Topeka, Kansas, dedicated to helping older adults and seriously ill individuals stay independent and supported in their homes. Established in 1978, we offer a full continuum of care, including hospice, palliative care, home health, grief and loss counseling, and our signature PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program. Our mission centers on "meeting individual needs through innovative care solutions," and we serve people across multiple counties in northeast Kansas.

PACE Program

The PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) program is designed to help older adults remain safely in their homes rather than entering nursing facilities. It provides complete medical care, rehabilitation, medications, transportation, social services, and supportive therapies—all coordinated by an interdisciplinary care team. Participants receive personalized care plans tailored to their unique needs, along with access to a PACE center for social activities, meals, and clinical services. By integrating medical and supportive care under one program, PACE helps seniors maintain independence, improve quality of life, and continue living in their communities with dignity.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) at the Midland Care PACE Program works under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist to help older adults remain safe, independent, and living in their homes and communities. The OTA carries out individualized treatment plans focused on activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, transfers, mobility, and use of adaptive equipment. They provide hands‑on therapy at the PACE center, in participants’ homes, and sometimes in community settings, while educating participants and caregivers on safety, fall prevention, and carry‑over strategies. OTAs document participant progress, report changes to the interdisciplinary team, and may assist with durable medical equipment needs. Their role directly supports the PACE mission of improving function, quality of life, and preventing unnecessary nursing facility placement.

Qualifications

Required

• Certification as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) from an accredited program
• At least one year of experience working with frail or elderly individuals
• Ability to work under the supervision of a licensed Occupational Therapist
• Valid Kansas driver’s license
• Automobile liability insurance
• Reliable transportation
• Motor vehicle record that meets organizational standards

Preferred

• Additional experience in geriatrics, community-based care, or PACE programs
• Familiarity with adaptive equipment and assistive technologies
• Current CPR or first aid certification

Apply Today!

If you are passionate about helping older adults maintain independence and quality of life, we encourage you to apply. Join a collaborative interdisciplinary team where your skills make a meaningful difference every day. Submit your application today and take the next step in a rewarding career supporting participants in their homes and communities.