Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

General Purpose:

Physical therapist assistants provide services for treating impairments, functional limitations, disabilities or changes in physical function under the direction and supervision of a qualified physical therapist, and in accordance with accepted standards of professional practice, applicable law and regulation, as well as Interim HealthCare policies and procedures and clinical pathways.

Essential Functions:

• Participates in ongoing interdisciplinary assessment of the patient.
• Acts at the direction and under the supervision of the treating physical therapist and in accordance with the plan of care.
• Participates in the development and evaluation of the plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver(s).
• Provides services that are ordered by the physician as indicated in the plan of care.
• Assists the treating physical therapist in documenting a patient’s progress and response to treatment.
• Completes and submits timely, legible, accurate, relevant and sufficient documentation (written or electronic) addressing the treatment and interventions provided, the patient’s response to the treatment and interventions, and the patient’s progress toward goals in accordance with professional standards of practice, policy and procedures, and payor requirements.
• Counsels and educates the patient and the family, and other caregivers to promote patient progress toward mutually established goals and in meeting healthcare related needs.
• Supervises paraprofessional staff, as assigned.
• Effectively communicates with other members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team providing care to promote coordination of patient care and planning for discharge.
• Communicates with all physicians involved in the plan of care and other health care practitioners (as appropriate) related to the current plan of care.
• Participates in Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program.
• Participates in in-services or training, as requested.
• Participates in the Office’s Emergency Preparedness program, as requested.
• Completes other assignments as requested and assigned.
• Accesses personal health information (“PHI”) necessary to fulfill the above duties and responsibilities.  Access to use and ability to disclose PHI is further defined by each organization/department.

Licensure, Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• Current licensure, registration, or certification as a physical therapist assistant, if applicable, in the state(s) in which he or she will practice.
• In the last five (5) years, two (2) years of experience as a PTA that is relevant to the patient population assigned preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Able to provide proof of current CPR certification, per organization-specific policy.
• Able to effectively communicate in English with all levels of the workforce, both clinical and non-clinical.
• Able to perform and prioritize multiple functions or tasks.
• Able to read and interpret technical instructions related to the care of the patient and use of equipment in providing treatment.
• Able to visually and aurally observe and assess the patient.
• Able to effectively deal with multiple changes based on patient needs and scheduling.
• Able to provide proof of valid driver's license, if applicable.
• Able to provide proof of valid auto liability insurance if assignment(s) include driving own vehicle to transport patient.

Working Conditions & Physical Effort:

• Able to constantly travel within geographic area serviced by office from assignment to assignment.
• Meets the applicable health requirements to provide patient care per applicable law or regulation.
• Work is normally performed in a residence, aggregate living facility, school or occupational setting.
• Occasional exposure to communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens and/or potentially infectious or hazardous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment (e.g. face masks, goggles, latex and or non-latex gloves).
• Able to work flexible schedule and/or evening hours as needed.
• Able to constantly stand, walk, bend, stoop, squat, kneel and reach freely.
• Able to constantly lift, reposition, and transfer patients
• Able to constantly grasp with thumb in opposition to fingers of palm, i.e. manipulate pen, knobs or objects.
• Heavy physical activity that may require lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling over 50 lbs., and physically stretching, bending, stooping, twisting, standing, sitting, walking, reaching and climbing stairs.