Physical Therapy Asst-HH

WVU Medicine

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant administers physical therapy treatments as directed by a physical therapist, reports changes in patient condition or unexpected responses, maintains department equipment in an orderly fashion, and supervises the physical therapy aide. The role provides home health services and follows the physical therapist’s treatment plan and applicable Home Health policies and procedures. The assistant cares for patients across age groups according to established age-specific standards, assesses and documents patient status and treatment responses, provides prescribed exercises and gait or transfer training, teaches therapist-designed home programs, and coordinates with the care team. Work is primarily in patients’ homes and may require extensive travel. The role involves exposure to the physical, environmental, and safety conditions described in the posting, including bodily fluids, infectious hazards, adverse weather, and unpredictable home environments.

Requirements

Current physical therapy assistant licensure in the applicable state where services are performed. For West Virginia, this must be a West Virginia Board of Physical Therapists license or a Physical Therapy Assistant Compact License; the posting also lists state-specific licensure options for Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Valid driver’s license.
CPR certification within 30 days of hire.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Effective reading and comprehension skills.
Ability to follow directions.
Ability to identify problems and communicate them to the physical therapist.
Knowledge of and compliance with safety policies and procedures.
Ability to lift, move, and position patients of all weights with varying amounts of assistance on a regular and recurring basis.
Ability to lift 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
Frequent walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting.

Nice To Haves

Eligibility for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association.
One year of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant.

Responsibilities

Perform physical therapy assistant duties according to the physical therapy assistant skills list.
Provide age-appropriate care based on patients’ physical, psychosocial, communication, safety, and education needs; complete separate competency before caring for infants, pediatric patients, or adolescents.
Assess, report, and document changes in patient condition and reactions to treatment according to policy and procedure.
Obtain accurate pulse, blood pressure, and respiration measurements.
Carry out the treatment plan implemented by the physical therapist.
Conduct gait and transfer training as directed by the physical therapist.
Provide therapeutic exercises prescribed by the physical therapist.
Position patients appropriately and operate exercise equipment as directed by the physical therapist.
Teach home programs designed by the physical therapist.
Safely operate wheelchairs, hospital beds, lifting devices, and patient chairs.
Manage oxygen equipment, including portable tanks, long cords, nasal cannulas, and masks, according to the standard of care.
Comply with Home Health regulations, policies, and procedures, including visit and communication standards.
Document patient status and the care or services furnished in the appropriate areas according to documentation policies and procedures.
Perform CPR when consistent with the patient’s or appropriate representative’s wishes.
Use and maintain durable medical equipment, medical supplies, and adaptive equipment safely and prudently.
Use the supply requisition system according to policy and procedure.
Perform treatments and procedures according to specific standards.
Perform and monitor patient teaching according to policy and procedure.
Coordinate the care team to facilitate changes in level of care in compliance with the applicable standard.
Identify the stages of death and dying.
Report health care concerns or changes in condition to the physical therapist and/or RN.
Maintain department equipment in an orderly fashion and supervise the physical therapy aide.