Physical Therapist Assistant

DUTIES

Provides skilled Physical Therapy services on an intermittent basis to consumers in their homes under direction from the Registered Physical Therapist

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Under the direction of a Registered Physical Therapist (PT) provides consumer services which have been delegated by the PT
2. Under the supervision of the physical therapist, assists in evaluation and development of a rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation as required
3. Participates in the preparation of clinical and daily progress notes, all notes are reviewed by the PT and submitted per agency policy, also prepares periodic summary reports
4. As directed, performs routine strengthening and therapeutic exercises and assists the consumer with the use of self-help devices
5. Together with the PT, instructs the consumer and family and assists in teaching exercise programs to the consumer and family
6. Identifies possible ineffective drug therapy or adverse reactions, significant side effects, drug allergies, and contra-indicated medication and reports same to the PT
7. Observes, and records activities and findings in the clinical record and reports to the PT and the physician the consumer's reaction to treatment and any changes in the consumer's condition
8. Consults with PT regarding the outcome of home visits and reports physical findings in written form
9. Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, assists in evaluation and development of the rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation as indicated
10. Instructs other health team personnel including, as appropriate, Nurse Aides, as well as family members with respect to certain phases of physical therapy, so that they may work with the consumer
11. Writes daily progress notes on consumers, and submits same per agency policy, and prepares periodic summary reports as indicated
12. Attends rehabilitation department staff meetings and case conferences
13. Participates with staff, consumers, and physicians in discharge activities and assists the Physical Therapist in completing the Physical Therapy Discharge Summary
14. Confirms, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/Nursing Supervisor in order to coordinate Agency visits
15. Assumes responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve his/her health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops and conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations and individual research and reading
16. Assumes other duties deemed appropriate and necessary by the PT and as designated by Registered Nurse Case Management and the Nursing Supervisor

Assists in the Agency Admission Process

1. Obtains a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition
2. Evaluates the consumer, the consumer’s significant other(s) and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the consumer, and what other Agency and community services will be required
3. Assures that the physician’s orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes

JOB CONDITIONS

1. The ability to drive and the ability to access consumers’ homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.
2. Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the consumer's condition and to perform consumer care.
3. On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move consumer weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/or carry up to 30 pounds.
4. The ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing in English is required

EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Physical therapy equipment and other medical equipment will be utilized. Hand washing materials.

COMPANY INFORMATION

Has access to all consumer medical records which may be discussed with Nursing Supervisor, the Administrator, the Executive Director, and the Quality Assurance department staff

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Must be a graduate of an approved school giving a course of not less than two years for Physical Therapy Assistants
2. Must be licensed in Colorado as a Physical Therapy Assistant
3. Must have at least one year of institutional/home care experience
4. Must have a criminal background check
5. Must have current CPR certification