Position Title: Physical Therapy Assistant

Reports to: Director of Nursing

Status: Full time, salaried, exempt

Additional: $500. monthly reimbursement for gas

Benefits: Eligible for Medical/Dental/Vision through employer group plan premiums paid 50%; 401K plan with 3% match; PTO and Sick leave, paid holidays. Supplemental Insurance (Short term disability, Life, Accident, etc. available)

Other: Flexible schedule, referral bonus program, Student Loan program

Duties

• Provide skilled Physical Therapy services on an intermittent basis to clients in their homes under direction from the Registered Physical Therapist.

Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Registered Physical Therapist (PT) provide client services which have been delegated by the PT.

• Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, assist in evaluation and development of a rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation as required.

• Participate in the preparation of clinical and daily progress notes, all notes are reviewed by the PT and submitted within 72 hours, also prepares periodic summary reports.

• As directed, perform routine strengthening and therapeutic exercises and assists the client with the use of self-help devices.

• Together with the PT, instruct the client and family and assist in teaching exercise programs to the client and family.

• Identify possible ineffective drug therapy or adverse reactions, significant side effects, drug allergies and contra-indicated medication and reports same to PT.

• Observe and record activities and findings in the clinical record and reports to the PT and the physician the client's reaction to treatment and any changes in the client's condition.

• Consult with PT regarding the outcome of home visits and reports physical findings in written form.

• Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, assist in evaluation and development of the rehabilitative plan of care and in periodic re-evaluation as indicated.

• Instruct other health team personnel including, as appropriate, Home attendants as well as family members with respect to certain phases of physical therapy so that they may work with the client.

• Write daily progress notes on clients submitting them within 72 hours and preparing periodic summary reports as indicated.

• Attend rehabilitation department staff meetings and case conferences.

• Participate with the staff, clients and physicians in discharge activities and assist the Physical Therapist in completing the Physical Therapy Discharge Summary.

• Confirm, on a weekly basis, the scheduling of visits with the Supervisor/Director of Nursing in order to coordinate agency visits.

• Assume responsibility for self-development by continually striving to improve your health care knowledge through educational programs, attendance at workshops, and

• conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations and individual research and reading.

• Assume other duties deemed appropriate and necessary by the PT and as designated by the Registered Nurse Care Management and the Nurse Supervisor.

• Assists in the Agency Admission Process

• Obtain a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition.

• Evaluate the client, the client's significant others and the home situation to determine what instruction will be required, what assistance will be available from the family in caring for the client and what other agency and community services will be required.

• Assure that the Physician's orders are appropriate and discusses necessary changes.

Job Conditions

• The ability to drive and the ability to access client's homes which may not be routinely wheelchair accessible are required.

• Hearing, eyesight and physical dexterity must be sufficient to perform a physical assessment of the client's condition and to perform client care.

• On occasion, may be required to bend, stoop, reach and move client weight up to 250 pounds; lift and/carry up to 30 pounds.

• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.

Equipment Operation

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

• Qualifications

• Must be a graduate of an approved school giving a course of not less that 2 years for Physical Therapy Assistants.

• Must be licensed in the state of Maryland as a Physical Therapy Assistant.

• Must have a criminal background check.

• Must have current CPR certification.