The posting
JOB SUMMARY
PTA will provide services for curative, rehabilitative, and/or preventive purposes. PTA will also provide Physical Therapy services for patients assisting in the treatment, program planning and implementation, related documentation, and communication and functions under the supervision of the Physical Therapist.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Safety & Emergency:
- Attends annual safety and infection control education required by agency.
- Uses safety precautions as appropriate for patients, employees, public and self, e.g. proper positioning of self, good body mechanics, universal precautions, and defensive driving skills.
- Knows location of all emergency equipment in homes, car, and is aware of established emergency and safety procedures.
- Develops and maintains own and patient/caregiver knowledge of emergency procedures.
Standards:
- Supports mission, philosophy, and goals of Signature Healthcare at Home.
- Meets Signature Healthcare at Home standards for attendance and punctuality; maintains professional manner in dress and in speech.
- Completes mandatory education requirements annually, including house-wide and department-specific, to maintain competence, and documents same
- Follows agency policies.
- Maintains confidentiality of patient, family, and other staff.
- Attends required staff meetings.
- Maintains a basic understanding of age-related differences in caring for and communicating with patients and caregivers.
- Functions as a member of a multi-disciplinary team, promoting team communication and support.
- Meets productivity expectations for this position; organizes tasks and manages time effectively.
- Documents client services legibly, accurately, and in concert with professional practice standards and reimbursement requirements.
- Can work well alone, without supervision. Asks appropriate questions when unsure of an assignment, takes initiative in areas expected of him/her. Uses good judgment in difficult situations.
- Works as scheduled; notifies the supervisor/ office or designee of delays or absences according to established expectations.
- Able to problem-solve effectively when the home environment is not physically safe for staff or the patient.
Work Performed:
- Provides Physical Therapy services to clients under the supervision of a Physical Therapist in accordance with state regulations.
- Assists the Physical therapist in the evaluation process as needed or directed.
- Assists the Physical Therapist in identifying a problem list, short-term goals, long term goals and treatment plan.
- Conducts treatments as assigned by the Physical Therapist and outlined in the treatment plan that includes but is not limited to areas of muscle strength, coordination, mobility, sensory awareness, sitting and standing, transfer training, balance activities, gait training, range of motion activities and modalities.
- Monitors client’s response to intervention and consults with Physical Therapist if modification is required.
- Implements and conducts treatment as outlined in treatment plan.
- Participates in client, family, and staff education. Trains client, family, and appropriate staff in the use of assistive devices.
- Provides treatment in accordance with established standards of practice, company policy, and productivity standards.
- Maintains safe and clean work area and adheres to company safety standards.
- Complies with all Infection control, Universal Precautions, and OSHA standards for the healthcare professional.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Interpersonal:
- Works cooperatively with others; works out issues and problems with others assertively.
- Follows the line of authority when one-on-one problem solving doesn’t work.
- Contributes to a positive atmosphere in the office as well as in patient’s homes.
- Willing to help others when needed.
- Possesses personal sensitivity to the needs and experiences of others and a non-judgmental attitude towards persons of differing standards, values, lifestyles and ages.
Work Environment:
- May be required to attend to patients in homes that are not clean, are infested with insects or rodents, and second hand smoke.
- Pathways to & from houses as well as the inside of houses may be cluttered and in poor repair.
- Driving conditions may be difficult related to weather and/ or traffic.
- Working environment may have short periods of inadequate ventilation and/ or temperature control.
Physical Requirements:
- Able to drive a vehicle up to 100 miles in one day.
- Able to climb stairs, inside or outside patient’s homes.
- Able to lift, push, and pull at least 40 pounds without assistance.
- Able to provide physical care to dependent patients who may be frail, elderly, obese and/or physically impaired; provide up to total assist with patient positioning, transfers and ambulation.
- Able to bend, squat and/or kneel to provide patient care.
- Able to read, write, and verbally communicate effectively in English.
- Able to tolerate driving in congested areas and frequent changes in schedules due to unexpected time constraints.
- Able to tolerate short periods of secondary smoke, inadequate ventilation, or temperature control.
Compliance:
- Maintains knowledge of and adheres to all applicable laws, rules, and standards.
- Reports, as appropriate, actual or suspicious activity related to fraud and/or operational abuse of laws, regulations and standards.
The above statements are intended to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.
JOB REQUIREMENTS (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)
Education: Graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant school.
License/Certification:
- Current BLS CPR certification for healthcare providers.
- Current Washington driver’s license or transportation available to cover entire service area without advance notice.
- Current minimum automobile insurance coverage as required by law.
Experience and Skills:
- Interest in work with ill, elderly and/or disabled clients.
- At least one year of recent experience in a clinical setting.
The employer for this position is stated in the job posting. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company of independent operating subsidiaries that provide healthcare services through home health and hospice agencies and senior living communities located throughout the US. Each of these businesses is operated by a separate, independent operating subsidiary that has its own management, employees and assets. More information about The Pennant Group, Inc. is available at http://www.pennantgroup.com.
