Physical Therapy Assistant (Bridge Home Health)

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The purpose of a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant is to implement patient plans of care under the direction of the Physical Therapist. Under the direction of a Physical Therapist, performs tasks to maintain department in a neat and organized condition.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Duty 1: Recognizes the role as a Physical Therapy Assistant in relation to the other members of the patient care and rehabilitation team in the Home Health Care system.

Duty 2: Assists the staff Physical Therapist in the patient’s subsequent assessment.

Duty 3: Exercises independent judgment within the limitations of an assistant’s responsibilities.

Duty 4: Regularly report verbally and in writing to the appropriate person (RN or PT) as necessary to continue a quality treatment program.

Duty 5: Consistently displays the knowledge and ability to apply therapeutic principles and practices.

Duty 6: Documentation is consistent with or exceeds Bridge Home Health and Hospice guidelines.

Duty 7: Manages assignments responsibly to include keeping management informed of any unusual or special incident occurrences.

Duty 8: Utilizes a team approach to teaching opportunities and family care issues of the patient.

Duty 9: Consistently maintains optimal patient care within budget constraints.

Duty10: Displays Service Excellence as evidenced by practicing the mission, vision, and values of the organization to promote patient satisfaction.

Duty 11: Complies with organizational policies, procedures, and practices to ensure quality job performance and Medicare/Medicaid compliance to include OASIS as appropriate.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program
• Currently licensed in the State of Ohio
• Health Care provider CPR Certified
• Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient status
• Interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the area’s policies and procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Frequently pushes patients in wheelchairs (100-350 lbs.) into and out of treatment areas and adjusts patient’s position for table or computer access.  Assists patients to adjust extremities or re-position upper body in chair. Frequently applies modalities, e.g. H.P., ultrasound, EGS. Frequently travels within building to locate patients on units, treat patients in other clinical areas, or to assist in-patient transport. Frequently transports patient’s folders, treatment materials, and office supplies (1-5 lbs.).  Frequently pushes/pulls file and storage cabinet drawers to retrieve and return materials. Frequently changes body position from sit-stand or stand-sit during treatment, documentation, general office activities. Occasionally provides steadying or light assistance to ambulatory patients for standing or walking within the department or in hallways. Occasionally lifts/adjusts patient seated in wheelchair with or without assistance.

This position is classified “at risk” for possible occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.)