Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Alternate Solutions Health Network•Paducah, KY

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant I provides comprehensive skilled physical therapy services in patients’ homes under the direction of a Physical Therapist and in accordance with the state scope of practice for licensed PTA personnel. The role includes educating patients and family members, promoting patient safety and independence, and completing accurate clinical documentation in compliance with agency protocols and applicable legal, Medicare, and federal requirements. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The territory includes Paducah, Calloway, and Marshall counties and surrounding areas. The PTA travels to patients’ primary locations for scheduled visits and participates in on-call requirements, case conferences, in-service trainings, agency meetings, and employee orientation or training. Other duties may be assigned.

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.
Ability to make appropriate physical therapy judgments.
Ability to identify situations and handle them with an appropriate solution.
Detail-oriented and observant.
Disciplined work ethic and ability to prioritize and be timely.

Nice To Haves

Home care experience.

Responsibilities

Provide skilled 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, working with the Physical Therapist toward goals to improve patient functional status.
Communicate effectively with physicians, therapists, coworkers, patients, and families.
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 about therapy techniques, safety measures, and supportive activities.
Instruct patients and family members in the proper use of equipment such as wheelchairs, braces, walkers, crutches, canes, and other prosthetic or orthotic devices.
Listen to patients and family members and foster independence to help prevent dependence on the agency.
Complete clinical documentation and document treatment, assessments, and patient education in accordance with agency protocols and Medicare and federal guidelines.
Complete chart audits at the agency location when requested.
Notify the scheduler of changes as needed.
Participate in on-call requirements and case conferences.
Attend in-service training and mandatory agency meetings.
Participate in orientation and training of new employees.
Drive to scheduled patient visit locations and attend assigned locations daily.
Complete documentation for subsequent, discharge, evaluation/recertification, and resumption-of-care visits within 24 hours of the visit.
Submit 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.
Perform other duties as assigned.