Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)- Home Health

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 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.

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.
• Occasionally (2%-33%): N/A.
• Rarely (1% or less): N/A.