Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant-PRN

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY: Implements physical therapy plans and provides related services to program participants, under the guidance of a physical therapist.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Contributes to the physical therapist’s effectiveness by recommending options and courses of action and implementing physical therapy directives.

· Gathers information about participant health through interviews, observations and therapy histories.

· Communicates changes in participant status to interdisciplinary team members in person or by phone, noting changes in health records.

· Helps participants develop or regain physical and mental functioning.

· Helps participants adjust to disabilities by instructing, encouraging and assisting them with physical exercise and activities.

· Implements treatment programs that include ambulatory function and non-manual exercise.

· Instructs and coaches participants and caregivers in the use of assistive and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, prostheses and wheelchairs.

· Administers physical therapy treatments such as massage, traction, applying physical agents, moist packs, ultraviolet and infrared lamps, ultrasound and electrical stimulation.

· Promotes maximum participant independence by providing therapies according to individual capacity, intelligence and interest.

· Instructs participants, families and caregivers about home exercise programs.

· Assists in the management of home-bound participants through visits.

· Visits participants in the home as directed to initiate or modify adaptations and treatment.

· Participates in family conferences, team meetings, committees and work groups as required.

· Adheres to infection control policies and procedures.

· Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions and calling for repairs.

· Participates in the coordination of a 24-hour care delivery system.

· Completes all documentation in the medical record as required.

· Acts within the scope of his or her professional certification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

· Oral and written communication skills

· Interpersonal skills

· Computer skills

· Organizational skills

· Problem solving skills

· Record keeping and reporting skills SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None. QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate of a PTA curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant by the Virginia Board of Physical Therapy.

One or more years of experience with a geriatric population.

Valid driver’s license, auto insurance and reliable transportation.

Demonstrated clinical competency with an elderly and disabled population. Must work well as part of a team.

Medically cleared for communicable diseases with up-to-date immunizations before participant contact. Criminal history records check at hire.

Drug screen at hire.

WORK SCHEDULE: This is a PRN position. Work hours will be established based on the needs of PACE participants with a particular focus on providing care to individuals in their homes. May include early morning, evening, or weekend hours as needed.