Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - PRN

JOB TITLE : Physical Therapy Assistant – Home Health

DEPARTMENT: Home Health-Skilled

REPORTS TO: Physical Therapist (PTA)

PAY: $50 per visit, plus mileage

JOB SUMMARY

The Physical Therapy Assistant is a qualified person who provides physical therapy services to patients in the home under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Certifying exam by the National Physical Therapy Examinations (NPTE)
• Preferably two years’ experience as a physical therapy assistant
• One-year related field/home health experience preferred
• Valid state driver’s license
• Current automobile insurance

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Assists the physical therapist in evaluations of the level of function of the patient
• Prepares clinical and progress notes.
• Observe patients before, during, and after therapy
• Observes, records, and reports any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Assists with the rehabilitation of patients according to the plan of care.
• Communicates effectively with all providing care.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Verifies client information by interviewing client; reviewing and/or recording medical history; confirming purpose of treatment.
• Contributes to physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physical therapy directives.
• Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying therapy histories.
• Assesses abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results.
• Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
• Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities; and in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; promoting wellness and health maintenance.
• Provides continuity of care by developing and implementing patient management plans.
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Maintains production objectives by noting current treatment trends; monitoring actual physical therapy services rendered to production objectives.
• Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations; anticipating emerging issues.
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Enhances physical therapy and agency reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities.

Primary Location: As assigned