PHYS THPY ASST -OUTPT

Overview

The physical therapy assistant provides home care services in community based and facility settings. The position is responsible for providing therapy services to patients enrolled in home health and hospice programs following the plan of care established by a physical therapist and under the direction of the patient’s physician with treatment of a patient's condition as it relates to the patient's disabilities, injuries and/or disease process. Quality of care is provided in accordance with state and federal regulations and the mission of Home Care Services.

Position Reports To: Home Care Services Rehab Manager

Responsibilities

1. Provides physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist and as prescribed by the physician to include but not limited to: therapeutic exercises/activities, modalities, recommendation of adaptive equipment/orthotics and assistive devices, instructing the patient/family in preventative and rehabilitative home programs, when indicated.
   
   • Implements the plan of care (POC) as established by the physical therapist.
   • Maintains frequency of visits as established on physician’s order or POC.
   • Documents patient status and progression towards achievement of outcomes on each visit in measurable parameters.
   • Asks appropriate questions of patient/caregiver and collects data necessary to monitor patient’s status.
   • Modifies interventions in accordance with patient changes, within the scope of the POC.
   • Reports changes in patient’s status and updates on progression of POC to the supervising physical therapist, case manager or home health/hospice supervisor.
   • Collaborates with physical therapist and patient in ordering equipment necessary for patient safety and optimum function.
2. Coordinates the delivery of physical therapy services with nursing, social work, aide, therapy, and other outside services as needed, which results in effective utilization of resources and timely attainment of achievable rehabilitation and/or palliative care goals. Makes recommendations to and participates in the revision to the plan of care.
   
   • Utilizes appropriate community resources.
   • Recommends and participates in case conferences.
   • Updates other team members of changes in patient status that will impact the plan of care.
   • Identifies the need for and makes recommendations for referrals to other disciplines.
   • Participates in weekly interdisciplinary team meetings and agency meetings as assigned.
3. Records and reports to supervising physical therapist and/or physician, the patient's reaction to treatment, any changes in the patient's condition, suggested changes in the patient's orders and implementation of discharge planning procedures.
4. Maintains documentation of subsequent visits, coordination of care, discharge or transfer planning and other clinical record documentation in the electronic medical record.
5. Instructs other health team members in physical therapy procedures and techniques performed as an adjunct to the regular physical therapy plan of care.
6. Required to maintain current BLS certification.
7. Other Duties as assigned.

Demonstrate Standards of Behavior and adhere to the Code of Conduct in all aspects of job performance at all times.

Qualifications

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited associate degree program as a physical therapy assistant.
• Current WA state license.
• Communication: Functionally able to listen, read, speak and write using English language. Functional hearing and visual acuity sufficient to detect changes in patient conditions and perform assessments. Effective interpersonal skills. Demonstrates ability to work in collaboration with health team members.
• Must possess basic computer/electronic device skills related to Windows and app navigation, mouse and screen usage, keyboarding, email communication and password management.
• Current, valid driver's license and access to an insured vehicle with the minimum coverage by law.

Desired:

• Two (2) years of recent physical therapy assistant experience.
• Previous home care, acute care or skilled nursing experience.