Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant PTA

Physical Therapist AssistantThe Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works directly under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist assigned to the case and under the overall supervision of the Rehabilitation Supervisor. After the initial visit has been made by the licensed PT, the PTA will provide ongoing therapy services in accordance with the established plan. The PTA may contribute to the review of the plan of treatment, pre-discharge planning and preparation of the discharge summary.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:Provides exceptional care to patients by providing therapeutic exercises as planned, delegated and supervised by Physical TherapistEffectively communicates with the patient's care team and follows instruction given by the assigned Physical TherapistPerforms ongoing therapy services, which may include but are not limited to: application of heat and cold, massage, gait training, assistance and training in cardiopulmonary exercise, mobilization, assistance and training with ambulation, range of motion exercises, patient transfer, strengthening techniques, prosthetic training and adaptive equipmentAccurately documents care and patient's progress in a timely manner by meeting established deadlines, communicating regularly with other caregivers regarding case(s) and documenting interdisciplinary communication, and by meeting regulatory agency and pay source requirementsAt least every 30 days, the PTA will conference with the licensed PT and document the meeting in the patient's clinical record; this meeting includes a review of the current patient care plan and any appropriate modifications to the treatment regimeAttends meetings such as regular team meetings, in-services and ad-hoc informational or educational meetingsPerform other duties as assignedMinimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)Graduate of a Physical Therapy Assistant Program, accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association or equivalent programCurrent and valid Connecticut Physical Therapist Assistant license (required)Recent work experience in home health (preferred)Driver's LicenseCar Insurance and Car RegistrationReliable transportation and ability to drive in all types of weather conditionsAbility and willingness to follow agency policies and procedures and work as a team memberStrong interpersonal skills and good judgementA desire for further education to keep up with the ever changing medical advancesPhysical Demands and Work EnvironmentThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.