Physical Therapy Assistant

About the Role

Summa Health at Home and Hospice is seeking a Physical Therapist Assistant to provide comprehensive skilled services under the direction of a Physical Therapist within a specified geographical territory. The PTA educates patients and their family members, ensures patient safety, completes accurate documentation, and remains compliant with all legal rules and regulations. The company adopts the physical therapy scope of practice as outlined by the state for its licensed PTA personnel.

Work Schedule & Territory

Monday–Friday, 8:15 AM – 5:00 PM. Territory includes Atwater Center, Lakemore, Mogadore, Ellet, Deerfield, Akron, Firestone Park, and Kenmore.

What We Offer

• New guaranteed base hourly rate plus generous uncapped bonus structure designed to reward excellence and encourage growth
• Mileage reimbursement and additional bonus opportunities
• Flexible schedules with full team support from scheduling to patient admissions
• Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance with flexible options
• Paid time off for eligible teammates
• 401k participation opportunity
• Company-paid life insurance
• Access to a robust Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications & Attributes

• Current Physical Therapist Assistant license in the state of employment
• Minimum of one year of experience as a PTA in an acute setting required
• Home care experience desired
• Ability to effectively communicate and create positive impressions with patients, families, physicians, and co-workers
• Knowledgeable on therapy best practices
• Ability to make appropriate physical therapy judgments
• Ability to identify situations and handle them with the best possible solution
• Detail-oriented and observant
• Disciplined work ethic with 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.
• Assesses functional problems and provides intervention; 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 devices and makes minor adjustments or recommends 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

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

Compensation Note

Per visit compensation refers to a lump sum payment for all activities in connection with a visit to a patient. It is compensation not only for the time involved in doing patient care but for preparation time, travel, lab drops, picking up supplies, charting, and communication with the patient's family, physician, and other health care providers.

Health Qualifications

• 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; annual tuberculin skin test required thereafter unless documentation of a previous TB test exists
• Employee must be free of physical/medical conditions which would limit or restrict ability to perform essential functions
• Employees in this position may be at risk for exposure to bloodborne pathogens

Physical Demands

Travel is required for this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Constantly (66%–100%): Reading, Speaking, Writing English; Communications Skills; Computer/PDA Usage; Walking; Bending; Standing; Sitting; Stretching/Reaching; Distinguish smell/taste; Hearing/Seeing; Hearing in person; Hearing on the phone; Talking in person; Talking on the phone; Vision for close work.

Frequently (34%–66%): Driving; Lifting up to 50 lbs. with or without assistance; Climbing; Stooping (bend at waist); Hand/finger dexterity.