Physical Therapy Assistant Home Care, Arlington

Physical Therapy Assistant

Provides physical therapy treatment as directed by the physical therapist and in accordance with agency standards, the laws and regulations governing the provision of physical therapy services in the State of Maryland, District of Columbia, or Virginia, and other regulatory requirements.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the patient and caregiver to plan adequately for discharge. Helps the patient's physical therapist prepare an adequate discharge plan that would include referrals to appropriate community resources (e.g. outpatient therapy, day care, driver's education) when needed.
• Assists the physical therapist in assessing the patient's environment and recommending adaptive equipment and/or home modifications that will maximize the patient's functional abilities and safety. Assists in the attainment of those items that are reimbursable as orthotics/prosthetics or durable medical equipment.
• Communicates with supervisor as scheduled and needed regarding issues related to the delivery of rehab services and individual patient care.
• Communicates with the rehab department regarding the patient load, scheduling problems, vacation coverage.
• Contributes to the achievement of established goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Completes annual Code of Conduct Compliance and other mandatory training. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Maintains effective working relationships with other departments and participates in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and agency in community outreach efforts. Enhances growth and development and enriches personal knowledge and skill through participation in educational programs and affiliations.
• Maintains ongoing communication with the patient's physical therapist, physician, health care team, and other individuals as needed regarding aspects of care and patient's status.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Provides information to the patient regarding functional status and progress towards goals. Duties may include interview, observation, palpation tests and measurements including but not limited to goniometry, taking vital signs and circumferential measurements. Such duties require the use of tools (e.g. goniometer, sphygmomanometer, stethoscope) and the possession of sight and hearing senses or the use of prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately.
• Provides medical record entries according to agency standards, professional guidelines, and regulatory requirements for the reimbursement of physical therapy services. Ninety-five percent accuracy on technical audit.
• Provides patient and/or caregiver written educational material as directed by the physical therapist regarding the injury/disease process, functional limitations, and the purpose of treatment interventions in addition to training in aspects of care the patient/caregiver will need to manage after discharge.
• Provides physical therapy services in accordance with the treatment plan (established by the physical therapist) agency standards and other professional and regulatory guidelines. Performs procedures and modalities including but not limited to therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training, gait training, heat/cold application, and ultrasound.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• Associate's degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program required

Experience

• 1-2 years Clinical experience required

Licenses and Certifications

• PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant License to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia or any combination based on work location(s) Upon Hire required and
• DL - Valid State Driver's License in good standing with a dependable vehicle for transportation Upon Hire required and
• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required and
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Good clinical skills. Verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills preferred.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $25.86 - USD $46.12 /Hr.