Physical Therapy Assistant

SUMMARY

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides comprehensive skilled services under the direction of a Physical Therapist. The PTA educates patients and their family members and ensures safety of the patient. The PTA is accountable for completing accurate documentation and remains compliant with all legal rules and regulations.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Physical Therapist Assistant with a current license in the state of employment.
• Minimum of one year of experience as an 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 co-workers.
• Knowledgeable on therapy best practices.
• Able to make appropriate physical therapy judgments.
• Able to identify a situation and handle it with the best possible solution.
• Detail-oriented and observant.
• Disciplined style of work ethic with the ability to prioritize and be timely.
• Valid driver’s license and auto insurance with your name as a listed driver.

Major Areas Of Responsibility

• 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, water, etc.
• Affirms functional problems and provides intervention and, in conjunction with the physical therapist, works toward goals to improve patient functional status.
• Communicates effectively with physician, therapist, and coworkers.
• Participates in case conferencing promoting coordination of care.
• Recommends prosthetic/orthotic devices for patients or evaluates their device and make minor adjustments or recommend modification.
• Educates staff in carrying out specific physical therapy modalities when appropriate.
• Educates patient and family on therapy techniques involved, safety measures, and supportive activities.
• Instructs patient and family members on proper use of equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, walkers, crutches, canes, and other prosthetic/orthotic devices.
• Listens to patient and family members.
• 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 agency location as requested.
• Communicates with scheduler any changes as needed.
• Participates in all on-call requirements and case conferences.
• Attends in-service trainings and mandatory agency meetings.
• Participates in orientation/training of new employees.
• Participates in case conferences as needed.
• Other duties assigned.

Essential Functions

• Drives to patient’s primary location per scheduled visit.
• Daily attendance at assigned visit locations.
• 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 plan of care as permitted within the scope of practice for a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, per the state of employment.

Physical Demands

• Constantly (66%-100%): Reading Speaking Writing English Communications 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 Distinguish smell/taste Frequently (34%-66%): Driving Lifting up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance Stretching/Reaching Climbing Stooping (bend at waist) Occasionally (2%-33%): N/A Rarely (1% or less): N/A