Physical Therapist Assistant - Per Diem

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on assessing the needs of patients who have physical, mental, or emotional disabilities and delivering therapy services to improve their developmental, physical or cognitive impairment. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Physical Therapy duties: Provides services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Examines patient's medical history, evaluates their physical abilities, determines their potential to respond to therapy, and develops treatment plans. A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. An experienced level role requiring basic knowledge of job procedures and tools obtained through work experience and requiring vocational or technical education. Works under moderate supervision, works through problems of a routine nature, but may at times require interpretation or deviation from standard procedures and communicates information that requires some explanation or interpretation.

Job Overview

This position works in collaboration with a licensed Physical Therapist to provide patients in a variety of settings such as inpatient, transitional care, and outpatient settings with rehabilitative care as they work to regain movement and mobility due to illness, injury, aging, or other disorders. May also help patients manage pain, meet fitness goals, or prevent injury through such methods as heat or ice therapy, stretching, and massages as well as other activities.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Associate's Degree in Physical Therapy.

2. Physical Therapy Assistant license.

3. Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

4. One (1) year of related experience.

5. Depending on the role, a current driver's license may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Two (3) years of community health experience.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Provides care and services that are planned, delegated and supervised by the Physical Therapist, in accordance with the plan of care.

2. Documentation of services is in compliance with agency policies and professional standards.

3. Visits notes are prepared for each visit and contain: Therapy provided and response by the patient; Teaching performed; Objective data of the patient; and Communicates to the licensed therapist, the patient's condition, the patient's response to services furnished by the assistant, and the need to change the plan of care.

4. When directed, participates in in-service education, staff meetings, record review and in reviewing client/patient care policies.

5. Sessions are planned within a reasonable time after receiving notification and are made at times beneficial to patient.

6. Completes all required documents according to quality & industry standards in a timely manner.

7. Maintains a safe, therapeutic environment for the patient.

8. Changes in the patient's condition are reported and reviewed with the registered therapist.

9. Works effectively with patients, families, co-workers and other community agencies/resources.

10. Educates the patient and family per the care plan.

11. Participates in assuring the coordination of services to patients.

12. Participates in IDT meetings in care coordination.

13. Complies with policies and procedures including: Does not cancel confirmed assignments without approval from immediate supervisor; Gives adequate notification of schedule changes; Time/day sheets are accurately completed on time; Immediately notifies office in the event of lateness or job related problems.

14. Demonstrates a knowledge and understanding of what to report to the CEO or Chief Compliance Officer when concerns of corporate compliance arise.

15. Ensures compliance within guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies (DPH, ERISA etc.) and demonstrates compliance with Tufts Medicine Care at Home policies and procedures.

16. Practices confidentiality principles set by the agency and federal HIPAA/HITECH guidelines.

Physical Requirements:

1. Prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing, walking, and transferring patients.

2. Regularly lift and/or move 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.

3. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate computer keyboard, dexterity to provide quantitative testing and manual treatment techniques to a wide variety of patients.

4. Visual acuity that allows for frequently uses computer screen and reports

5. The employee in this position frequently communicates internally and externally; must be able to exchange accurate information via phone, email and/or in person.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Demonstrate interpersonal skills including communication, teamwork, and willing to work one-on-one or a group basis.

2. Ability to function well in very busy situations.

3. Responsible and reliable.

4. Ability to read/write and communicate in English.

5. Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to assess the needs of patients of all different age populations in order to provide care appropriately.