Home Health Physical Therapy Assistant - Full Time

POSITION PURPOSE
In accordance with agency policy and state/federal regulations, the physical therapy assistant is a qualified person who provides independent, age-appropriate physical therapy to patients in their place of residence. Teaches patient/family and caregivers preventative and rehabilitative procedures. This is performed in accordance with physician orders and plan of care under the direction and supervision of the Licensed Physical Therapist (PT).

ORGANIZATION
This position reports to Physical Therapist of record.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides physician-prescribed physical therapy under a plan of care established by the PT.
• Assists the PT in assessing the level of function of the patient.
• Participates with all other health care personnel in patient care planning.
• Prepares clinical and progress notes in a timely manner per Agency policy.
• Advises and consults with the family and other agency personnel.
• Observes, records, and reports any changes in the patient’s condition.
• Consults with PT regarding change in treatment.
• Educates and instructs the patient/family and agency personnel in use of equipment, home therapy programs and activities of daily living.
• Assists with the rehabilitation of patients according to the plan of care.
• Participates in case conferences and in-services.
• Communicates effectively with all care providers, staff, patient/family, and caregivers.
• Ensures quality care.
• Confirms on a weekly basis the scheduling of visits with the physical therapist to coordinate necessary visits with other personnel.
• The physical therapy assistant is responsible for notifying the physical therapist of absences due to illness, emergency leave, normal vacation or professional meetings that may affect service to the client, patient, and the physical therapist.
• Demonstrates on-going progress toward meeting the criteria for professional practice.
• Understands and Adheres to all Company policies and procedures.
• Participates in QAPI activities as assigned.
• Acts as an effective team member.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Currently licensed by the Oklahoma Medical Board as a Physical Therapy Assistant- no disciplinary action taken.
• Minimum of 2 years of Home Health experience
• BLS certification
• Current OK driver’s license and car insurance
• Medical knowledge, patience, compassion, kindness, critical thinking skills, knowledge of infection control practices, stamina, and physical endurance, observational skills, knowledge of occupational hazards and safety rules, communication skills, leadership, empathy

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work requires moderately heavy physical exertion on a regular and recurring basis such as: extensive driving, assisting patient in transfer activities (wheelchair, to bed, to tub, to commode) and providing substantial support to individuals in ambulation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, to handle or feel, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move over 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
• General office, patient home setting, exposure to infectious diseases, automobile.

Security and privacy training will be provided as part of this role to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of PCS’ associate and customer data.
 
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.