Home Health PRN PTA

JOB TITLE: Physical Therapy Assistant

REPORTS TO: Physical Therapist

• BASIC PURPOSE:

The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for providing rehabilitative physical therapy treatments for home health patients needing assistance and training in ambulation, transferring, gait training and home exercise programs. The Physical Therapy Assistant works under the supervision of a qualified Physical Therapist in accordance with the Home Health Plan of Care. The Physical Therapist Assistant works as part of the interdisciplinary home care team including the RN, OT, SLP, MSW and Home Health Aides.

• PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides physical therapy services to patients according to a home health Plan of Care and under the direction and supervision of a qualified Physical Therapist. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Performing physical therapy procedures in the patients home.

• Administering non-complex therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, traction, heat, light, cold, water and electrical modalities to patients with relatively stable conditions.

• Instructing, motivating, and assisting patients in learning and improving functional activities.

• Teaching basic principles of body mechanics to patients and families.

• Instructing patients and family members on the proper use of prosthetic devices and in the use and care of therapeutic appliances.

• Observing patients progress and response to treatment and reports findings to the Physical Therapist.

• Reporting changes in the patients condition to the supervising Physical Therapist.

• Modifying the Home Health Plan of Treatment, as authorized by the physician, after subsequent authorization, instruction and supervision by the Physical Therapist.

• Participates in Home Health patient case conferences.

• Participates in the Altenheim Home Health Care Quality Assessment program as requested.

• Confers with the Physical Therapist, attending physician, home care team members and patient and/or family/caregivers to promote coordinated and comprehensive care.

• Communicates the Plan of Care to other members of the home care team and patient/family and/or caregivers.

• Participates in meetings, inservices and other related activities as needed and directed.

• Prepares and submits clinical and progress notes in a timely manner and in accordance with Altenheim Home Health Care policies, state and federal guidelines and regulations.

• Instructs patient and/or family/caregiver and other team members in the patients treatment regimen as indicated.

• Completes a minimum of twelve (12) hours of inservices per year.

• Meets or exceeds delivery of Altenheim Home Health Care service standards in a consistent fashion.

• Adheres to Altenheim Home Health Cares Code of Conduct.

• Complies with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Home Health regulations and established company policies and procedures.

The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.

• HUMAN RELATIONS:
• Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor and be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, supervisor, co-workers and all others.
• Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other health care team members and reflect concern for the

well-being of patients and others.

• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (See Attached Physical Requirements Form)
• This position requires the physical therapist assistant to work in a variety of environments (housing styles, cleanliness and maintenance, heating and cooling) during visits to patients in their place of residence.
• Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
• The Physical Therapist Assistant must have ability sufficient to ambulate throughout a patient's home, navigating stairs and other physical barriers typical to private residences.
• The Physical Therapist Assistant must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel to and visit in patients homes in varying weather and road conditions.
• Must be able to deal effectively with stress.
• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Education:
• Must be a graduate of a Physical Therapist Assistant program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)
• Experience:
• Been employed full-time as a Physical Therapist Assistant for at least three (3) years immediately proceeding October 2, 2008.

OR

• Have provided at least 2,000 hours of experience providing patient-related care and services.

• Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification:

• Must possess current license as a Physical Therapist Assistant from the State of Ohio or made application for same.

• Must possess valid Ohio drivers license.

• Must have the use of an automobile in good working condition and automobile insurance.

• Satisfactory criminal background check.

• Maintains current CPR certification.

I have read, reviewed and understand the Physical Therapy Assistant job description.