Physical Therapy Assistant

About the Role

Mercy Medical Center Home Health and Hospice is seeking a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to provide comprehensive skilled services under the direction of a Physical Therapist. This role educates patients and their family members while ensuring patient safety, completing accurate documentation, and remaining compliant with all legal rules and regulations. The territory for this position includes the North Canton, Green, and Hartville areas.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday. No weekends or holiday requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provides skilled services in a patient’s home as developed by the Physical Therapist plan of care.
• Observes, records, and reports patient reactions, changes, and progress.
• Performs physical therapy procedures and diagnostic tests on patients for whom they have been medically prescribed.
• Treats patients to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance using physical means, such as exercise, massage, heat, and water.
• Assesses functional problems and provides intervention; works toward goals to improve patient functional status in conjunction with the physical therapist.
• Communicates effectively with physicians, therapists, and coworkers.
• Participates in case conferencing to promote coordination of care.
• Recommends prosthetic/orthotic devices for patients or evaluates their devices and makes minor adjustments or recommends modifications.
• Educates staff in carrying out specific physical therapy modalities when appropriate.
• Educates patients and families on therapy techniques, safety measures, and supportive activities.
• Instructs patients and family members on the proper use of equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, walkers, crutches, canes, and other prosthetic/orthotic devices.
• Fosters independence in patients and their families to prevent dependence on the agency.
• Completes all clinical documentation in accordance with agency protocol and Medicare/Federal guidelines.
• Documents all aspects of treatment, assessments, and patient education.
• Completes chart audits at the agency location as requested.
• Communicates with scheduler regarding any changes as needed.
• Participates in all on-call requirements and case conferences.
• Attends in-service trainings and mandatory agency meetings.
• Participates in the orientation/training of new employees.
• Drives to patient’s primary location per scheduled visit.
• Documents all aspects of subsequent, discharge, eval/recert/resumption of care visits within 24 hours of visits.
• Documents all aspects of start of care visits within 48 hours of visits.
• Completes and submits all required documentation within specified company requirements.
• Follows the plan of care as permitted within the scope of practice for a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, per the state of employment.

Per visit compensation refers to a lump sum payment for all activities in connection with a visit to a patient, including preparation time, travel, lab drops, picking up supplies, charting, and communication with the patient’s family, physician, and other healthcare providers.

Requirements

• Physical Therapist Assistant with a current license in the state of employment.
• Minimum of one year of experience as a PTA in an acute setting is required; home care experience is desired.
• Ability to effectively communicate and create positive impressions with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers.
• Knowledgeable of therapy best practices.
• Ability to make appropriate physical therapy judgments.
• Detail-oriented and observant.
• Disciplined work ethic with the ability to prioritize and be timely.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance with your name as a listed driver.

Health and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to meet all physical position requirements.
• Evidence required of a current negative tuberculin skin test or x-ray, or receive TB testing at the date of orientation. Thereafter, an annual tuberculin skin test is required unless the employee has documentation of a previous TB test.
• Must be free of physical/medical conditions that would limit or restrict the ability to perform essential functions.
• Employees in this position may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Constantly (66%-100%): Reading, speaking, writing, English communication skills, computer/PDA usage, hand/finger dexterity, hearing/seeing, talking in person, hearing in person, talking on the phone, hearing on the phone, vision for close work, walking, sitting, bending, standing.
• Frequently (34%-66%): Driving, lifting up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance, stretching/reaching, climbing, stooping (bend at waist).

Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• New guaranteed base hourly rate plus a generous uncapped bonus structure designed to reward excellence, encourage growth, and recognize impact.
• Paid mileage and additional bonus opportunities.
• Flexible schedules with support from a whole team, from scheduling to patient admissions.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with flexibility to select what works best for you.
• Paid time off for eligible teammates.
• Opportunity to participate in a 401k plan.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• Access to a robust Employee Assistance Program.