Physical Therapy Employment

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) - Eaton Office

REPORTS TO: Clinical Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
The Physical Therapy Assistant provides physical therapy services under the direction of the physical therapist and according to the physician’s plan of care.

Mission Statement:
VNS delivers quality, community-based, health-related services and programs that promote independence, wellness, and family integrity.

As a team member of VNS the following core values and responsibilities will be routinely demonstrated:

• Punctuality & Attendance
• Dependability
• Accountability
• Maintaining productivity standards
• Strong customer service focus (internal & external)
• Adherence to VNS' mission, Code of Ethics, policies & procedures, state & federal regulations and CHAP standards
• Full utilization of technology provided to document and enhance client care
• Evaluation of own professional needs and provides suggestions for continuing education
• Participation in Performance Improvement Process, in-services and mandatory meetings

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant curriculum.
• One-year experience preferred.
• Current PTA licensure, CPR certification, valid driver's license, and proof of auto insurance.
• Excellent observation, verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, basic math skills; and PT skills per competency checklist.
• Must be able to withstand prolonged or considerable walking, standing, reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling or crouching.
• Able to lift, position or transfer patients; as well as supplies and equipment. Minimum lifting required is 25 lbs.
• Visual acuity and hearing to perform required therapy skills.

Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities:

Patient Care

1. Provide direct physical therapy according to directions of physical therapist and in accordance with the physician’s plan of care.
2. Treat patients to relieve pain, develop and restore function, and maintain maximum performance.
3. Direct and aid patients in active and passive therapeutic exercises, muscle re-education, gait and functional training, transfer activities and prosthetic training.
4. Utilize physical agents, including, but not limited to heat, cold, water, light, electricity, ultrasound and massage.
5. Instruct patients in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes, and prosthetic or orthotic devices.

Communication

1. Observe and report to physical therapist and the homecare team the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in patient’s condition.
2. Maintain necessary records; clinical and conference notes, which will be incorporated into the patient’s clinical record in prescribed time frames.
3. Participate in case conferences to ensure coordinated and comprehensive plans of care for the patients and participates in teaching patients and families.

Physical/Mental

1. Must be able to climb three flights of stairs.
2. Must be able to perform tasks involving physical activity, such as heavy lifting extensive bending and standing; maintaining calm in emergency situations.
3. Must be willing to be responsible for, and to maintain job-related supplies/equipment according to agency policy and expectations.

Additional Duties

1. Must be willing to accept assignments without regard to location, socio-economic environment, disease, ethnic origin or religion.
2. Must be willing to make scheduled visits on weekends or evenings when assigned. Must comply with organizational policies, procedures and VNS Code of Ethics regarding therapeutic relationships with patients.
3. Ensure that arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available.

Essential Hazardous Exposures:

Physical

1. Must be willing to travel during inclement weather.
2. May be potentially exposed to variable temperatures in working environment.
3. May be potentially exposed to, including but not limited to, the threat of physical violence to self, dangerous animals/insects such as dogs, rodents, reptiles, spiders, etc. and to infectious diseases, needle sticks, etc.

Chemical Materials

Potential exposure to cleaning/other substances within office environment including copy machine toner, VDT emissions and cleaning solvents.

Personal Protective Equipment Required:
Must follow Universal Precautions techniques in accordance with all agency policies and procedures, to include use of personal protective equipment.