Physical Therapy Asst: In Home Care

Private Duty Physical Therapy Assistant

General Summary: The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) treats the patient with a specific treatment program designed by the physical therapist, under the guidance of the physical therapist and physician. The PTA is also responsible for coordinating any changes in the patient’s condition to the physical therapist, working toward maximizing the patient’s functional level.

Patient Population: Has contact with patients in the home setting; understands and demonstrates appropriate behavior when interacting with patients in all populations.

Essential Functions:

1. Treat the patient according to a specific program designed by the Physical Therapist and coordinate this with other team members.
2. Educate and train patients and their families regarding the therapy plan, home exercise program, home safety, and diagnosis/illness.
3. Take measurements of the patient’s condition; report and coordinate these and any other changes to the supervising physical therapist.
4. Maintain a level of professionalism consistent with the APTA and HHP codes of ethics and report any unethical situations to the PT Board or appropriate personnel.
5. Provide specific patient treatment and progress documentation to the physical therapist and Agency.
6. Participate in face-to-face patient conferences with the Physical Therapist as state regulations require.
7. Participate in mandatory case conferences.
8. Complete appropriate documentation promptly to ensure compliance with company policy.
9. Demonstrate commitment and professional growth by participating in in-service programs and maintaining/improving competency.
10. Meet mandatory continuing education requirements of the Agency/licensing board.

This description is a general statement of essential functions that are required to be performed regularly and continuously. It does not exclude other duties as assigned.

Supervision: N/A

Experience:

• (1) year experience as a PT in a clinical care setting.
• Preferred, Home health experience.

Skills:

• Therapy skills as defined as generally accepted standards of practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively.
• Demonstrates proven decision-making skills.
• If required to make visits, Hepatitis profile.
• Must read, write and comprehend English.

Education:

• Associate degree from an APTA accredited school of physical therapist assistants.

Licensure/Certification:

• Current driver’s license in good standing. It is the responsibility of the employee to renew their driver’s license before it expires in order to continue employment.
• Reliable transportation and auto liability insurance.
• Current State professional license as a PTA in any/all applicable states.
• Current CPR

On-going employment as a PTA always requires maintenance of a valid PTA license in the state which the therapist practices in and a valid CPR certificate. It is the responsibility of the employee to renew these before they expire in order to continue employment.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged standing/walking required.
• The ability to lift/transfer up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to meet deadlines and patient needs, make quick decisions and allocate resources under stressful conditions.
• Meet patient/family individualized psychosocial needs.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Works in patient’s home in various conditions.
• Possible exposure to blood borne pathogens, bodily fluids and infectious diseases.
• Some exposure to unpleasant weather; PRN emergency call.
• Ability to travel locally and work a flexible schedule.