Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Alternate Solutions Health Network•Paducah, KY

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant I (PTA) provides skilled services in patients’ homes under the direction of a Physical Therapist and in accordance with the Physical Therapist’s plan of care and the applicable state scope of practice. The PTA educates patients and family members, supports patient safety and independence, monitors and reports patient reactions and progress, and completes accurate clinical documentation in compliance with agency protocols and legal, Medicare, and federal requirements. The position follows a Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. schedule and serves Paducah, Calloway, and Marshall counties and surrounding areas. The PTA drives to scheduled patient locations, participates in required on-call duties and case conferences, attends trainings and agency meetings, and may assist with new-employee orientation. Other duties may be assigned. Transitional work may be available, including answering phones, filing, computer/data-entry work, attending training or continuing education, reviewing safety materials, and performing tasks within assigned restrictions.

Requirements

At least one year of experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant in an acute setting.
Current Physical Therapist Assistant license in the state of employment.
Valid driver’s license and auto insurance listing the employee as a driver.
Ability to communicate effectively and create positive impressions with patients, families, physicians, and coworkers.
Knowledge of therapy best practices and ability to make appropriate physical therapy judgments.
Ability to identify situations and select appropriate solutions.
Detail-oriented and observant work style.
Disciplined work ethic, prioritization skills, and timeliness.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, with or without reasonable accommodations, including frequent driving and lifting up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.

Nice To Haves

Home care experience is desired.

Responsibilities

Provide skilled physical therapy services in patients’ homes according to the Physical Therapist’s plan of care.
Observe, record, and report patient reactions, changes, and progress.
Perform prescribed physical therapy procedures and diagnostic tests.
Treat patients to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance using physical means such as exercise, massage, heat, and water.
Assess functional problems and provide interventions in coordination with the Physical Therapist to improve patient functional status.
Communicate effectively with physicians, therapists, coworkers, schedulers, patients, and family members.
Participate in case conferences to promote coordination of care.
Recommend prosthetic or orthotic devices, evaluate patients’ devices, make minor adjustments, or recommend modifications.
Educate staff on specific physical therapy modalities when appropriate.
Educate patients and families on therapy techniques, safety measures, supportive activities, and proper use of equipment and prosthetic or orthotic devices.
Listen to patients and family members and foster their independence to help prevent dependence on the agency.
Complete clinical documentation in accordance with agency protocols and Medicare and federal guidelines, documenting treatment, assessments, and patient education.
Complete chart audits at the agency location when requested.
Attend assigned visit locations and drive to patients’ primary locations as scheduled.
Complete documentation for subsequent, discharge, evaluation/recertification, and resumption-of-care visits within 24 hours, and submit all required documentation within company deadlines.
Follow the plan of care within the scope of practice for a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in the state of employment.
Participate in on-call requirements, case conferences, in-service trainings, mandatory agency meetings, and new-employee orientation or training.
Perform other duties as assigned.