PRN PTA Home Health Keyser

WVU Medicine•Keyser, WV

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant administers physical therapy treatments as directed by a physical therapist, reports changes in patient condition or unexpected responses to treatment, maintains department equipment, and supervises the physical therapy aide. This home health role provides care in patients’ homes and may require extensive travel. Care is delivered to patients across age groups according to established age-specific standards; separate competency is required before caring for infants, pediatric patients, or adolescents. The assistant implements the physical therapist’s treatment plan, including gait and transfer training, therapeutic exercise, patient positioning, and teaching prescribed home programs. The role also includes monitoring and documenting patient status and care, communicating concerns to the physical therapist and/or RN, coordinating with the care team, and following Home Health policies, procedures, and regulations. The position is PRN, with varied shifts and zero scheduled weekly hours.

Requirements

Current physical therapy assistant licensure in the state where services are performed. For West Virginia, this must be a Physical Therapy Assistant License through the West Virginia Board of Physical Therapists or a Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License.
Valid driver’s license.
CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Effective reading and comprehension skills.
Ability to follow directions.
Ability to identify problems and communicate them to the physical therapist.
Knowledge of and compliance with safety policies and procedures.
Ability to lift, move, and position patients of all weights with varying levels of assistance.
Ability to lift 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
Ability to frequently walk, stand, stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, and lift.

Nice To Haves

Eligible for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association.
One year of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant.

Responsibilities

Administer physical therapy treatments and carry out treatment plans as directed by a physical therapist.
Perform physical therapy assistant duties in accordance with the physical therapy assistant skills list and applicable standards.
Provide age-appropriate care based on patients’ physical, psychosocial, communication, safety, and educational needs; complete separate competency before caring for infants, pediatric patients, or adolescents.
Assess, report, and document changes in patient condition and reactions to treatment according to policy and procedure.
Obtain accurate pulse, blood pressure, and respiration measurements.
Perform gait and transfer training as directed by the physical therapist.
Deliver prescribed therapeutic exercises and position patients appropriately.
Operate exercise equipment, including isotonic, isokinetic, isometak, and CPM devices, as directed by the physical therapist.
Teach home programs designed by the physical therapist and monitor patient teaching according to policy and procedure.
Safely operate wheelchairs, hospital beds, lifting devices, and patient chairs.
Manage oxygen equipment, including portable tanks, long cords, nasal cannulas, and masks, according to standards of care.
Comply with Home Health regulations, policies, and procedures for physical therapy, including visit and communication standards.
Document patient status and the care or services provided in the areas required by documentation policies and procedures.
Perform CPR in accordance with the patient’s or appropriate representative’s wishes.
Use and maintain durable medical equipment, medical supplies, and adaptive equipment safely and prudently.
Follow the supply requisition system and perform treatments and procedures according to applicable standards.
Coordinate the care team to facilitate changes in the level of care in compliance with the applicable standard.
Identify the stages of death and dying.
Report healthcare concerns and changes in condition to the physical therapist and/or RN.
Maintain department equipment in an orderly manner and supervise the physical therapy aide.