Full Time PTA

Administers physical therapy treatments as directed by a physical therapist; reports changes in condition or unexpected response; maintains equipment in department in an orderly fashion and supervises the physical therapy aide.

Responsibilities

• Performs all physical therapy assistant criteria as outlined on physical therapy assistant skills list as it relates to Physical Therapy.
• Provides care, based on physical, psychosocial, communication, safety, education level, and related criteria for the infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric patient per the established age-specific education/standard. Separate competency will be completed prior to caring for infants, pediatrics, or adolescents.
• Assesses, reports, and records changes in condition and reaction to treatment as per policy and procedure.
• Obtains accurate pulses, blood pressure, and respiration rate.
• Performs the treatment plan as implemented by the physical therapist.
• Demonstrates the skills to gait transfer train patients as implemented by the physical therapist.
• Delivers effective therapeutic exercises as prescribed by the physical therapist.
• Appropriately positions patients and operates exercise equipment including isotonic, isokinetic, isometric, and CPM devices as directed by the physical therapist.
• Effectively teaches home programs designed by the physical therapist.
• Operates wheelchairs, hospital beds, lifting devices, and patient chairs in a safe manner.
• Manages oxygen equipment including portable tanks, long cords, nasal cannula, and masks as per standard of care as it relates to physical therapy.
• Complies with Home Health regulations, policies, and procedures for physical therapy, including but not limited to visits/communication standards.
• Documents patient status and care or services furnished in appropriate areas as defined by the documentation policy and procedure.
• Performs CPR when directed by patient’s/appropriate representative’s wishes.
• Displays safe, efficient, and prudent use and maintenance of D.M.E. and medical supplies and adaptive equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the supply requisition systems as per policy and procedure.
• Performs treatments/procedures according to specific standards.
• Performs and monitors patient teaching according to the policy and procedures.
• Coordinates the care team in order to facilitate a change in the level of care in compliance with the change in level of care standard.
• Identifies the stages of death and dying.
• Reports on healthcare concerns or changes in condition to physical therapist and/or RN.

Requirements

• Current physical therapy assistant licensure in the applicable state where services will be performed:
  • MD: Physical Therapy Assistant License through Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners OR Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License
  • OH: Physical Therapy Assistant License through Ohio Occupatory Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Training Board OR Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License
  • PA: Physical Therapy Assistant- Indirect Supervision license through the State Board of Physical Therapy
  • WV: Physical Therapy Assistant License through West Virginia Board of Physical Therapists OR Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License
• Valid driver’s license.
• CPR certification within 30 days of hire date.

Qualifications

Minimum

Current physical therapy assistant licensure as specified above.

Preferred

• Eligible for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association.
• One (1) year of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant.

Skills

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal.
• Effective reading and comprehensive skills.
• Ability to follow direction.
• Ability to identify problems and relay this to the physical therapist.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with safety policies and procedures.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift, move, and position patients of all weights with varying amounts of assistance in a fair manner on a regular and recurring basis.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
• Frequent walk, stand, stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, and lift are all necessary body movements utilized in performing duties throughout the work shift.

Working Environment

• Exposure to bodily fluids, human tissues, contagious diseases, sharps, and explosive gases.
• Exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants.
• Exposure to toxic gases, fumes, and odors.
• Exposure to high stress and constant interruptions.
• Exposure to electrical current.
• Exposure to radiation from x-rays.
• Exposure to wind, rain, snow, sleet, mud, high and low temperatures, animals and insects, and hazardous roadways.
• The majority of work is performed in the patient’s home and may require extensive travel.
• Subject to unpredictable situations.
• May be exposed to adverse or unpleasant home environments.

Schedule

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40