Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Alternate Solutions Health Network•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant I (PTA) provides skilled physical therapy services in patients’ homes under the direction of a Physical Therapist and within the scope of practice for a licensed PTA in the state of employment. The role includes helping patients relieve pain, restore or maintain function, supporting patient safety and independence, and educating patients and family members about therapy techniques, safety, and equipment. The PTA documents treatment and patient progress accurately and in accordance with agency protocols and applicable Medicare and federal guidelines. This is a home health position with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The territory includes Sterling Heights, Troy, Shelby Township, Washington Township, and surrounding areas. The employee drives to patients’ primary locations for scheduled visits and participates in required on-call coverage, case conferences, agency meetings, training, and other assigned duties.

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 and identify situations and handle them with an appropriate solution.
Detail-oriented and observant.
Disciplined work ethic and ability to prioritize and be timely.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, with or without reasonable accommodations, including frequent lifting of up to 50 pounds with or without assistance.

Nice To Haves

Home care experience.

Responsibilities

Provide skilled services in patients’ homes in accordance with 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 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, and schedulers.
Participate in case conferences to promote coordination of care.
Recommend prosthetic or orthotic devices, evaluate 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 wheelchairs, braces, walkers, crutches, canes, and other 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, including documentation of treatment, assessments, and patient education.
Complete chart audits at the agency location as requested.
Participate in on-call requirements, case conferences, in-service training, mandatory agency meetings, and new employee orientation or training.
Drive to patients’ primary locations for scheduled visits and attend assigned visit locations daily.
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.
Perform other duties as assigned.