Physical Therapist Assistant Home Care, Prince George''s County

About the Job

General Summary of Position Provides physical therapy treatment as directed by the physical therapist and in accordance with agency standards, the laws and regulations governing the provision of physical therapy services in the State of Maryland, District of Columbia, or Virginia, and other regulatory requirements.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the patient and caregiver to plan adequately for discharge.
• Helps the patients physical therapist prepare an adequate discharge plan that would include referrals to appropriate community resources (e.g., outpatient therapy day care, drivers education) when needed.
• Assists the physical therapist in assessing the patients environment and recommending adaptive equipment and/or home modifications that will maximize the patients functional abilities and safety.
• Assists in the attainment of those items that are reimbursable as orthotics/prosthetics or durable medical equipment.

Communication and Collaboration

• Communicates with supervisor as scheduled and needed regarding issues related to the delivery of rehab services and individual patient care.
• Communicates with the rehab department regarding the patient load, scheduling problems, vacation coverage.

Professional Development and Compliance

• Contributes to the achievement of established goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards.
• Completes annual Code of Conduct Compliance and other mandatory training.
• Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.

Interpersonal and Community Relations

• Maintains effective working relationships with other departments and participates in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
• Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and agency in community outreach efforts.
• Enhances growth and development and enriches personal knowledge and skill through participation in educational programs and affiliations.

Patient Care and Education

• Maintains ongoing communication with the patients physical therapist, physician, healthcare team, and other individuals as needed regarding aspects of care and patients status.
• Provides information to the patient regarding functional status and progress towards goals.
• Duties may include interview observation, palpation tests, and measurements, including but not limited to goniometry, taking vital signs, and circumferential measurements.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

• Provides medical record entries according to agency standards, professional guidelines, and regulatory requirements for the reimbursement of physical therapy services.
• Maintains 95% accuracy on technical audit.

Education and Training

• Provides patient and/or caregiver written educational material as directed by the physical therapist regarding the injury/disease process, functional limitations, and the purpose of treatment interventions, in addition to training in aspects of care the patient/caregiver will need to manage after discharge.

Clinical Practice

• Provides physical therapy services in accordance with the treatment plan (established by the physical therapist) agency standards, and other professional and regulatory guidelines.
• Performs procedures and modalities, including but not limited to therapeutic exercise, functional mobility training, gait training, heat/cold application, and ultrasound.

Minimal Qualifications

• Education: Associates degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program required.
• Experience: 1-2 years clinical experience required.
• Licenses and Certifications:
• PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant License to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or any combination based on work location(s).
• DL - Valid State Drivers License in good standing with a dependable vehicle for transportation.
• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days.
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Good clinical skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills preferred.

Hiring Range This position has a hiring range of USD $25.86 - USD $46.12 /Hr.