Physical Therapist Assistant

Overview

Job Description: Provides professional physical therapy services in accordance with applicable regulatory guidelines and licensure requirements.  Maintains compliance with Agency policies and procedures.  Meets, maintains, and supports the standards of physical therapy care and practice in order to meet the health care needs of clients, their families, and the community.

Reports to: VP of Clinical Services or Director of Professional Services / Physical Therapist

Responsibilities

• Observes and reports deviations in clients’ health status, employing age-appropriate norms and principles of growth and development.
• Provides physical therapy services to clients in their homes following the Plan of Care established by the physician and under the direction of the Physical Therapist.
• Identifies unmet client needs and reports to Physical Therapist and the VP of Clinical Services or Director of Professional Services.
• Provides education/instruction to clients/caregivers to enhance their self-care abilities.
• Monitors vital signs should the client’s condition warrant or if required during the course of therapy.
• Provides physical therapy treatments to relieve pain, develop or restore function to maintain maximum performance, in accordance with physicians’ orders and under supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist
• Records and reports to the physician or Physical Therapist and other healthcare personnel any changes in the client’s condition or reaction to treatment.
• Instructs client, family, or other healthcare personnel in the client’s physical therapy program, including the use of prosthetic, orthopedic, and assistive devices (walker, cane, etc.) in accordance with the client’s care plan.
• Instructs other health team personnel including, when appropriate, home health aides and family members, in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with the client.
• Participates in case conferences and discharge planning.
• Maintains records and reports in accordance with Agency policies; documents all observations, interventions, and client outcomes and response.
• Utilizes electronic documentation of client care and complies with Agency policy regarding timeliness in submission of documentation.

Qualifications

• Has graduated from a two-year, college-level program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Provides proof of a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service.
• Holds a current Physical Therapy Assistant license in Maryland.
• If initially licensed by the state or qualified as a Physical Therapy Assistant prior to 1978, must have two (2) years of appropriate experience as Physical Therapy Assistant.
• One-year home health experience preferred.
• Has current CPR certification.
• Has excellent communication, organizational, and human relations skills.
• Is able to function with minimal supervision.
• Is able to manage multiple projects/changing priorities.
• Is able to employ critical thinking skills.