Home Health: Physical Therapist Assistant, PTA

Lifespark Careers•Anoka, MN

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant is primarily responsible to provide physical therapy services under the direction of the physical therapist and according to the physician's plan of care. This role involves treating clients to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance. The assistant will direct and aid clients in therapeutic exercises, muscle reeducation, gait and functional training, transfer activities, and prosthetic training, utilizing various physical agents. They will also observe and report client reactions and conditions to the physical therapist and organization personnel, instruct clients on the use of assistive devices, and maintain clinical records. Additionally, the role includes participating in team meetings and inservice education, taking vital signs, assisting with ambulation and simple procedures, assisting clients with medication self-administration, and ensuring client safety. The position requires adherence to documentation and care procedures, fostering positive team communication, resolving customer service issues, honoring client confidentiality and rights, understanding client emotional needs and behaviors, and following emergency procedures. Identifying home safety issues and reporting them to the RN Case Manager or Clinical Manager is also a key responsibility. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

One year of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant program with either an Associate’s degree in science or applied science that is approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
Current and active Physical Therapist Assistant license in the state of Minnesota.

Nice To Haves

Community/Home Health experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provides direct physical therapy according to directions of a qualified physical therapist and in accordance with the physician's plan of care and as defined in the state Physical Therapy Practice Act.
Treats client to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance.
Directs and aids clients in active and passive therapeutic exercises, muscle reeducation, gait and functional training, transfer activities and prosthetic training.
Utilizes physical agents, including, but not be limited to heat, cold, water, light, electricity, ultrasound and massage.
Observes and reports to the physical therapist and the organization personnel the client’s reaction to treatment and any changes in client’s condition.
Instructs clients in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes, and prosthetic or orthotic devices.
Maintains necessary records; clinical notes and conference notes, which will be incorporated into the client’s clinical record in prescribed time frames.
Participates in organization Home Care Team Members meetings and organization Inservice Education Program.
Taking and recording oral, rectal and axillary temperatures, pulse, respiration and blood pressure when ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).
Assisting in ambulation and exercise according to the plan of care.
Performing range of motion and other simple procedures as an extensional therapy service as ordered (with appropriate completed/demonstrated skills competency).
Assisting client in the self-administration of medication.
Meeting safety needs of clients and using equipment safely and properly (foot stools, side rails, etc.).
Reporting on client’s condition and significant changes to the assigned supervisory nurse.
Adhering to the organization's documentation and care procedures and standards of personal and professional.
Lead by example in establishing rapport with clients.
Ensure positive/professional communication on team.
Customer service resolution; escalate concerns.
Honors client confidentiality, rights, privacy, and reporting maltreatment expectations.
Understands and accepts emotional needs of client.
Accepts unique client symptoms and behaviors.
Follow all Emergency and Response Procedures
Identifies home safety issues and notifies RN Case Manager or Clinical Manager of concerns or issues
Demonstrates proper procedures: Handling, lifting, transfers Injury – Now What? Follows protocols Overview of Process, Types of Reports and Forms Follow-up Required – Escalating Event