Physical Therapy Assistant

Compassus•Torrance, CA

12d•$31 - $48

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy services under the direction of a Physical Therapist and according to the attending physician’s Plan of Care. As a member of a multidisciplinary team, the PTA communicates client-related issues to appropriate team members and facility or agency staff, and participates in collecting and evaluating data to assess the appropriateness of care at home. The PTA works with clients and families in the home setting without direct supervision while managing a caseload under a Physical Therapist’s supervision. The role includes implementing treatment plans, assessing treatment effectiveness, documenting care, coordinating with the interdisciplinary team, and helping clients and families prepare for discharge. Services are adapted to the home environment and to the client’s or caregiver’s ability to follow through safely. The PTA may assist with or fabricate adaptive equipment, make referrals, provide consultation and education, and coordinate care across services and settings. The position requires an associate degree in Physical Therapy from a CAPTE-accredited institution and a current, unencumbered state license as a Physical Therapy Assistant. One year of PTA experience in home care or rehabilitation is preferred. The role involves regular standing, walking, manual dexterity, and lifting or moving objects up to 50 pounds, along with expected exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and conditions typical of healthcare settings.

Requirements

Associate degree in Physical Therapy from an institution of higher learning accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
Current, unencumbered license as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the state of employment.
Knowledge of relevant rehabilitation therapy techniques and procedures.
Ability to provide appropriate care to clients across age groups, with knowledge of growth and development and the ability to assess and interpret client data in relation to age-specific needs.
Ability to communicate effectively in English verbally and in writing.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to read and interpret professional, technical, and regulatory materials and prepare reports and correspondence.
Mathematical ability to perform calculations using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and to compute rates, ratios, and percentages.
Ability to prioritize work, meet productivity and quality standards, organize effectively, and adapt to changing assignments and environments.
Ability to follow communication channels, work collaboratively, maintain constructive interpersonal relationships, and practice effective teamwork.
Ability to assume additional responsibilities and learn new procedures.
Ability to perform regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity tasks and to lift or move objects up to 50 pounds.
Ability to meet visual acuity requirements including close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment.
Ability to work in a healthcare environment with expected exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and related conditions.

Nice To Haves

One year of Physical Therapy Assistant experience in a home care or rehabilitation setting.
National Provider BLS certification from the American Heart Association, preferred within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

Provide therapy services and implement treatment plans established by the Physical Therapist in accordance with physician orders and the Plan of Care.
Document treatments and care coordination contacts in the required format, meeting agency deadlines, clinical documentation standards, and billing and reimbursement requirements.
Assess treatment effectiveness and notify the Physical Therapist when treatment modifications may be needed to achieve goals.
Identify medical, social, and emotional factors influencing care and make appropriate referrals.
Communicate pertinent clinical information and care-plan updates to the interdisciplinary team, supervisors, facility or agency staff, and external sources as appropriate.
Plan for discharge; participate in reassessments and discharge planning; teach clients or families the discharge therapy program; and recommend or facilitate follow-up services.
Assist with obtaining adaptive equipment, fabricate equipment as needed, and adapt equipment and techniques for safe and effective use in the home.
Manage and schedule home visits, coordinate with team members, prioritize urgent client needs, and communicate schedules and work plans to appropriate staff.
Coordinate transfer of client information when complementary therapies are requested or care is provided by another facility or agency.
Educate facility and hospital staff and community resources about home-care and hospice therapy services; provide consultation about PTA services to other disciplines as needed.
Participate in agency in-service programs, continuing education, required team meetings, assigned committees, program planning, and orientation of new staff.
Follow agency communication procedures and applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, including confidentiality, HIPAA, infection control, sanitation, safety, and disaster preparedness requirements.
Meet agency productivity standards and use time efficiently and effectively.
When working in settings other than a private home, provide consultation and training and meet documentation requirements specific to that setting.