PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (PTA)

Job Description

Job Summary:

Provides skilled therapy interventions and treatments to patients in their place of residence while acting under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT). The PTA provides direct patient care according to a treatment plan prescribed by a physician and specific instructions set forth by the supervising PT.

Level of Responsibility:

Works under the direct supervision of a Physical Therapist and under the overall supervision of the Clinical Manager or their designee.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assists the PT with the ongoing interdisciplinary assessment of the patient.

2. Collaborates with the PT to assist the physician in developing, initiating and evaluating the plan of care in partnership with the patient, representative (if any), and caregiver (s).

3. Provides skilled therapy services per physician orders, the patient’s plan of care, agency policies, professional standards, and the PT’s specific instructions/care plan.

4. Performs all aspects of patient/client care in an environment that optimizes safety.

5. Observers, records, and reports the patient’s status to the PT. Any changes in patients’ clinical status are communicated to the supervising PT, other healthcare team members and agency office staff in a timely manner.

6. Participates in case conferences.

7. Educates and counsels patients, their families and caregivers as appropriate, and as assigned by the PT.

8. Documents all care and services provided according to professional standards and agency policy and procedures.

9. Adheres to all agency policies and procedures.

10. Completes all mandatory agency training and in-service activities.

11. Participates in the agency’s quality management/QAPI activities.

12. Establishes and maintains effective channels of communication and working relationships.

13. Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.

14. Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of job performance.

15. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Licensed as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the State of Colorado.

2. Graduate of a Physical Therapist Assistant curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy, or if educated outside the United States or trained in the United States Military, graduated from an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to Physical Therapist Assistant entry-level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.

3. Two years’ experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant and previous experience in the home care industry preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of physical therapy practice, with emphasis on the provision of physical therapy assistant services in the home environment.

2. Ability to foster constructive and therapeutic relationships with patients/clients and their families.

3. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Special Requirements:

1. Current, valid license to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State of Colorado.

2. CPR certification.

3. Current, valid driver's license.

4. Access to a reliable automobile.

Exposure/Risk Category:

Tasks may involve occupational exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue.