Licensed (PTA) Physical Therapy Assistant

Alternate Solutions Health Network•Fairfax, VA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides skilled home health services under the direction of a Physical Therapist and within the scope of practice established by the state of employment. The PTA follows the Physical Therapist’s plan of care, helps patients relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain their highest possible level of performance, while educating patients and family members and supporting patient safety and independence. The role requires accurate, timely clinical documentation and compliance with agency protocols, Medicare and federal guidelines, and applicable laws and regulations. The PTA drives to patients’ homes for scheduled visits, communicates with patients, families, physicians, therapists, schedulers, and coworkers, and participates in case conferences, on-call requirements, trainings, meetings, and new-employee orientation. Documentation for subsequent, discharge, evaluation/recertification, and resumption-of-care visits is due within 24 hours; start-of-care documentation is due within 48 hours. This position serves the Chantilly, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, and surrounding areas for Alternate Solutions Home Health – Fairfax. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Travel is required. The position offers a $10,000 sign-on bonus, a guaranteed base hourly rate with an uncapped bonus structure, mileage pay, additional bonus opportunities, and flexible schedules. The company also offers medical, dental, and vision insurance; eligible employees may receive paid time off, participate in a 401(k), and access company-paid life insurance and an Employee Assistance Program. Candidates must hold a current PTA license in the state of employment, have at least one year of PTA experience in an acute setting, and have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance listing them as a driver. Home care experience is desired. The role involves frequent driving and lifting up to 50 pounds, along with regular walking, sitting, bending, standing, and other physical activities. Employees must meet the stated physical requirements and provide evidence of a current negative TB test or undergo testing at orientation, with annual testing thereafter unless prior documentation is available. The position may involve exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Requirements

Current Physical Therapist Assistant license in the state of employment.
At least one year of experience as a PTA in an acute setting.
Valid driver’s license and auto insurance listing the candidate 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 handle them with an appropriate solution.
Detail-oriented and observant work style.
Disciplined work ethic and ability to prioritize and be timely.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position and travel to patient locations.
Current negative tuberculin skin test or X-ray, or willingness to receive TB testing at orientation; annual TB testing is required unless prior testing documentation is available.
Ability to perform essential job functions without physical or medical limitations that restrict performance.

Nice To Haves

Home care experience.

Responsibilities

Provide skilled services in patients’ homes according to the Physical Therapist’s plan of care and the PTA’s scope of practice.
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, or water.
Assess functional problems and provide interventions in coordination with the Physical Therapist to improve patient functional status.
Communicate effectively with physicians, therapists, schedulers, patients, families, and coworkers; report scheduling changes as needed.
Participate in case conferences and on-call requirements to promote coordination of care.
Recommend prosthetic or orthotic devices, evaluate existing 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, and supportive activities.
Instruct patients and family members in the proper use of equipment, including 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 and submit accurate clinical documentation in accordance with agency protocols, Medicare and federal guidelines, and company requirements.
Document treatment, assessments, and patient education, meeting the 24-hour deadline for subsequent, discharge, evaluation/recertification, and resumption-of-care visits and the 48-hour deadline for start-of-care visits.
Complete chart audits at the agency location as requested.
Drive to patients’ primary locations and attend scheduled visits.
Attend in-service trainings and mandatory agency meetings.
Participate in the orientation and training of new employees.