Physical Therapist Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Responsibilities

The Physical Therapist Assistant carries out physical therapy programs for participants and assists in planning/revising program services and provides education to participants, caregivers and staff in accordance with physician orders and within InnovAge policies and all applicable regulations. Physical attendance at an InnovAge facility and/or an InnovAge participant home is essential to performing the job duties.

• Provides physician prescribed physical therapy treatment in the areas of modality, therapeutic and functional mobility and other services in the participant care plan (PCP) under the supervision of, and in collaboration with the physical therapist.
• Provides personalized training as needed with participants and caregivers.
• Immediately reports to supervising Physical Therapist any patient incidents/variances or complaints.
• Consults with PT to determine whether treatment plan should be continued, changed or terminated.
• Participates in educating the patient and family.
• Participates in in-service programs and presents in-service programs as assigned.
• Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
• Continually evaluates needs of participants and family and consults with PT regarding change in treatment.
• Instructs patients and family members in home programs and activities of daily living.
• Attends all staff meetings and patient care conferences as scheduled.
• Prepares medical records, progress notes and updates care plans for each patient visit in a timely manner as per policy.
• Informs the PT and other team members of changes in the patient's condition and needs.
• Participates in meetings and care conferences as assigned by the physical therapist
• Instruction to patient/family in home program with documentation in medical record notes.
• Completes and submits progress notes and paperwork in a timely manner per Agency policy.
• Reports all incomplete work assignments to supervising Physical Therapist.
• Assists the physical therapist in planning and revising programs for participants and program as a whole.
• Gathers physical history of participants in regards to their existing skills and the equipment currently used and notifies the physical therapist of any changes made.
• Educates participants and caregivers in approved techniques and approaches to facilitate safe functioning and to implement home rehab recommendations, under the supervision of the physical therapist.
• Communicates in an organized and understandable manner to family members and caregivers and ensures recommendations are feasible.
• Inputs daily treatment sessions and DME provided into the Pace Keeper tracking system for each participant. Delegates task during time constraints or when unavailable due to other tasks.
• Performs medical charting which includes participant educational sessions in participant charts, ensure company documentation requirements are met.
• Educates Day Center aides approved techniques to maximize participant safety and functioning at the ADHC.
• Recommends equipment and supply purchases appropriate for participants and rehab operations.
• Orders DME according to IGCP procedures with approval from the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Performs basic maintenance of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) and department equipment.
• Identifies defective DME and takes appropriate action to repair or replace it promptly.
• Documents appropriate records for DME regarding loans, returns, repairs and purchases per department policies, on a timely basis.
• Informs Physical Therapist within 24 hours of any urgent status changes whether medical or functional that occur in active rehab participants, and documents changes in progress notes.
• Arranges DME provisions and fitting for participant(s).
• Ensures that participant and caregiver(s) understand the Durable Medical Equipment (DME) loan program and policies and obtains signature on loan agreements.
• Instructs participants and caregivers in the use and maintenance of equipment provided, and documents procedures and DME in medical chart.
• Guides and directs rehab aides in carrying out rehab program services and activities in the areas of positioning, mobility and safety and home exercise program supervision. Discusses the Plan of Care (POC) with physical therapist and communicates issues with the interdisciplinary team (IDT) to integrate services into the overall POC for participant
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED

• Graduation from a CAPTE-accredited PTA associate degree program
• Passing the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) for PTAs administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT)
• Valid and unrestricted Physical Therapist Assistant license in the state where services are provided.
• Requires state issued driver’s license, personal transportation, good driving record and auto insurance as required by law.
• A minimum of one year experience working with the frail or elderly is required.
• Experience with and understanding of, the state practice act as it applies to the role of Physical Therapist Assistant in a health care setting.

PREFERRED

• 2+ years practicing as PTA