A. BASIC PURPOSE

The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for providing rehabilitative physical therapy treatments for home health patients needing assistance and training in ambulation, transferring, gait training and home exercise programs. The Physical Therapist Assistant works under the supervision of a qualified Physical Therapist in accordance with the Home Health Plan of Care. The Physical Therapist Assistant works as part of the interdisciplinary home care team including the RN, PT, OT, COTA, SLP, MSW and Home Health Aides.

B. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide physical therapy services to patients according to a home health plan of care and under the direction and supervision of a qualified Physical Therapist. This may include, but is not limited to:
a. Performing physical therapy procedures in the patient’s home.
b. Administering non-complex therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, traction, heat, light, cold, water and electrical modalities to patients with relatively stable conditions.
c. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients in learning and improving functional activities.
d. Teaches basic principles of body mechanics to patients and families.
e. Instructs patients and family members on the proper use of prosthetic devices and in the use and care of therapeutic appliances.
f. Observes patient’s progress and response to treatment and reports findings to the Physical Therapist.
g. Reports changes in the patient’s condition to the supervising Physical Therapist.
h. Modifies the Home Health Plan of Treatment, as authorized by the physician, after subsequent authorization, instruction and supervision by the Physical Therapist.
i. Participates in educating the patient/family and in inservice programs.
2. Participate in Home Health patient case conferences.
3. Participate in Ideal HomeHealth Care’s Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program as requested.
4. Confer with the Physical Therapist, attending physician, home care team members and patient and/or family/caregivers to promote coordinated and comprehensive care.
5. Communicate the plan of care to other members of the home care team and patient/family and/or caregivers.
6. Participate in meetings and other related activities as needed and directed.
7. Prepare and submit clinical and progress notes in a timely manner and in accordance with Ideal HomeHealth Care policies, state and federal guidelines and regulations.
8. Instruct patient and/or family/caregiver and other team members in the patient’s treatment regime as indicated.
9. Meet or exceed delivery of Ideal HomeHealth Care service standards in a consistent fashion.
10. Adhere to Ideal HomeHealth Care’s Code of Conduct.
11. Comply with local, state and federal laws, Medicare Home Health regulations and established company policies and procedures.
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.

C. HUMAN RELATIONS

1. Must maintain a professional attitude and demeanor and be able to communicate effectively and relate courteously and cooperatively with patients, caregivers, colleagues, supervisor, co-workers and all others.
2. Must be able to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and willingness to work constructively with other health care team members and reflect concern for the well being of patients and others.

D. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (See Attached Physical Requirements Form)

1. This position requires the physical therapist assistant to work in a variety of environments (housing styles, cleaning and maintenance, heating and cooling) during visits to patients in their place of residence.
2. Visual/hearing ability must be sufficient to comprehend written/verbal communication.
3. The physical therapist assistant must have ability sufficient to ambulate throughout a patient's home, navigating stairs and other physical barriers typical to private residences.
4. The physical therapist assistant must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel to and visit in patient’s homes in varying weather and road conditions.
5. Must be able to deal effectively with stress.
The physical demands described above and on the attached sheet are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

E. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Education
a. Must be a graduate of a Physical Therapist Assistant program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association; and
b. Passed a national examination for Physical Therapist Assistants
2. Experience
a. Been employed full-time as a Physical Therapist Assistant for at least three (3) years immediately proceeding October 2, 2008.
OR
b. Have provided at least 2,000 hours of experience providing patient-related care and services
3. Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification
a. Must possess current license as a Physical Therapist Assistant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or made application for same.
b. Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and automobile insurance, per state guidelines.
c. Must have use of automobile in good working condition.
d. Satisfactory references from employers and/or professional peers.
e. Satisfactory criminal background check.
f. Maintains current CPR certification.

I have read and understand the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) job description. It has been reviewed and discussed with me and I have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding same. .