Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Alternate Solutions Health Network•Detroit, MI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant I (PTA) provides comprehensive skilled services in patients’ homes under the direction of a Physical Therapist and in accordance with the Physical Therapist’s plan of care and the scope of practice for a licensed PTA in the state of employment. The role includes educating patients and family members, promoting patient safety and independence, observing and documenting patient status and progress, and maintaining accurate, timely clinical records in compliance with agency protocols and Medicare and federal guidelines. The PTA works with patients to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance through physical therapy procedures and modalities. The position involves travel to scheduled patient locations within the Sterling Heights, Troy, Shelby Township, Washington Township, and surrounding areas. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The role also includes participation in on-call requirements, case conferences, training, and agency meetings.

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 the best possible solution.
Detail-oriented and observant work style.
Disciplined work ethic, with the ability to prioritize and be timely.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent driving, lifting up to 50 pounds with or without assistance, and regular walking, bending, standing, sitting, reaching, climbing, and related activities.

Nice To Haves

Home care experience is desired.

Responsibilities

Provide skilled physical therapy 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, or water.
Assess functional problems and provide interventions in conjunction with the Physical Therapist to improve patient functional status.
Communicate effectively with physicians, therapists, coworkers, patients, and families.
Participate in case conferences to coordinate care.
Recommend prosthetic or orthotic devices, evaluate existing devices, make minor adjustments, or recommend modifications.
Educate staff in specific physical therapy modalities when appropriate.
Educate patients and families about therapy techniques, safety measures, and supportive activities.
Instruct patients and families 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 their independence to help prevent dependence on the agency.
Complete clinical documentation in accordance with agency protocols and Medicare and federal guidelines, documenting treatment, assessments, and patient education.
Complete chart audits at the agency location as requested.
Communicate schedule changes to the scheduler.
Participate in on-call requirements and case conferences as needed.
Attend in-service training and mandatory agency meetings.
Participate in orientation and training of new employees.
Drive to patients’ primary locations for scheduled visits and attend assigned visit locations daily.
Document subsequent, discharge, evaluation/recertification, and resumption-of-care visits within 24 hours of the visit.
Submit all required documentation within company timelines.
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.