PT /PTA- Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist Assistant

This Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides Physical Therapy services under the direction of a Physical Therapist according to the attending physician's Plan of Care. As a member of the multi-disciplinary team, the therapist assumes responsibility for communication of client related issues for appropriate team members or other facility/agency staff and participates in the collection and evaluation of data necessary to assess the appropriateness of care at home. The PTA works with the clients and family in the home setting without direct supervision.

Demonstrates competency in providing quality therapy services including intervention, implementation of the treatment plan established by the PT, related documentation and communication with clients and PT on a frequent basis.

Also demonstrates competency with identifying and making appropriate referrals regarding medical, social and emotional factors influencing care.

Assesses the effectiveness of treatment and notifies PT if treatment needs to be modified to achieve goals.

Documents all treatment and coordination of care contacts in appropriate facility/agency format.

Documentation reflects good clinical documentation as well as meeting agency billing and reimbursement requirements.

Produces expected results given present skills, knowledge, abilities, training and education for the following age groups: neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric.

Demonstrates an ability to treat the wide range of diagnoses and be knowledgeable in therapy treatments, goals and contraindications for treatment.

Request consultation supervision or continuing education when appropriate, to learn specialized techniques or treatment approaches.

Communicates pertinent medical and clinical information to the interdisciplinary team, including information regarding the client's care plan, implementation of changes per physician order and assuring adequate medical follow-up.

Also communicates pertinent information to team members, supervisor, facility/agency staff and external sources as appropriate.

Participates in team reassessments and discharge planning.

Teaches client or family discharge therapy program.

Recommends and facilitates appropriate medical and/or rehabilitation followed up once Home Services/Home Infusion/Hospice services have been discontinued.

Assists in obtaining adaptive equipment.

Fabricates adaptive equipment as needed.

Adapts equipment and techniques for use to the home setting assuring optimum function and safety.

Provides consultation or makes appropriate referrals regarding resources and barriers in the community.

Independently manages case load under supervision of a physical therapist, plans and schedules home visits coordinating with other team members as needed to maximize effectiveness of overall care plan.

Responds to urgent client needs by prioritizing and triaging treatments.

Organizes and coordinates transfer of client information when additional complementary therapies are requested and when client care is provided by another clinical facility/agency.

Educates facility/agency staff, hospital staff and community resources regarding therapy services for home care/hospice clients in the home.

Demonstrates a working knowledge of home care/hospice nursing, MSW, volunteer, chaplain, HHA, and other rehabilitation disciplines in order to make appropriate referrals for those services.

Provides consultation regarding PTA services to other disciplines, as needed or as requested.

Participates in agency in-service programs and community continuing education needed to remain clinically current in treatment techniques.

Meets agency productivity standards established for therapy.

Participate in facility/agency program planning, gives input to program policy discussions particularly in those areas impacting client care.

Participates in the orientation of new facility/agency staff members by orienting them to the unique clinical practice of their discipline in the home setting.

When providing services for clients in settings other than a private home (ie, Adult Family Home or Nursing Home) or coordinates care, provides consultation and training, and meets additional documentation requirements specific to that setting.

Follows facility/agency communication Policies and Procedures for voicemail, reporting schedules and schedule changes, responding to pagers and notification of information to supervisor and others.

Complies with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and requirements as well as facility/agency specific policies and procedures, including PACE regulatory requirements if applicable.

Maintain confidentiality of all client demographics, medical and financial information at all times.

Ensure proper handling and disposal of confidential documents and adheres to all HIPAA rules and regulations.

Adheres to all policies and procedures including regulatory requirements with regard to infection control, practicing universal precautions, sanitation, and safety and disaster preparedness.

Required - Associate degree in Physical Therapy from an institution of higher learning accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education

Preferred - 1 year of Physical Therapy Assistant experience in a home care or rehabilitation setting.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Requires ability to communicate in English effectively both verbally and in writing.

Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Articulates and embraces integrated healthcare at home philosophy.

Demonstrates ability to prioritize work assignments and meet productivity and quality standards.

Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations

Required - Current, unencumbered (State Employed) License as a Physical Therapy Assistant

Caregivers will be expected to provide proof of driver license and auto insurance upon request. See policy for additional information.

Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. In a healthcare setting, exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical to the field is expected. Routine use of standard medical equipment and tools associated with clinical care is essential. At Compassus, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success.