Physical Therapy Assistant, Homecare

Why consider applying to Visiting Nurse & Health Services of CT? Here are a few reasons:

• Small territories and manageable caseloads and flexible schedules for a better work-life balance.
• Front loaded paid vacation time with 26 days offered if you work 40 hours a week, otherwise prorated based on hours worked.
• Tuition reimbursement to help you continue your education and career growth. Eligible after 3 months of employment!
• Medical/Dental/Vision/Voluntary Benefits/STD and more
• Free parking and discounts offered through Perk Spots at local retailers, restaurants, and childcare centers.

Join our team and enjoy these benefits while providing quality care to our patients. Apply now!

General Summary of Duties: To assist in the provision of physical therapy to patients in their home, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, according to established Agency policies and procedures.

Typical Physical Demands: Requires full range of body motion. Requires ability to perform heavy work. Requires ability to ascend/descend stairs. Requires ability to perform floor-to-stand transfers. Requires ability to kneel and sit for extended periods. Requires ability to lift, transfer, and perform gait training on all surfaces with patients. Requires ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range. Requires working under stressful conditions. Requires limited exposure to communicable diseases.

Typical Work Conditions: Work is performed in patients' homes and in an office environment.

Essential Duties: (This list may not include all of the duties assigned.)

1. C 4 , F 4 Assist in the provision of physical therapy to patients in their homes in compliance with state and Federal Regulations, incorporating the following:

a) Performs physical therapy procedures and related tasks that have been selected by the supervising physical therapist.

b) Performs specific treatment procedures in accordance with changes in patients' status within the scope of the established treatment plan.

c) Attends regularly scheduled and documented conferences with the Physical Therapist regarding patients, the frequency of which is determined by the needs of the patient and the needs of the Physical Therapy Assistant.

d) Performs delegated functions in a manner that is consistent with safe and legal physical therapy practice determined by the following factors: complexity and acuity of the patients' needs; proximity and accessibility to the Physical Therapist; supervision available in the event of emergencies or critical events.

e) Maintains accessibility, by telecommunication, to the Physical Therapist at all times when not continuously within the same location.

2. C 4 , F 4 Documents all services provided in the clinical record in accordance with State and Federal Regulations, and Agency policy:

a) Documentation, including activities and mileage is exported within 36 hours of visit.

b) Participates in coordination with care with other disciplines as appropriate.
c) Maintains current physician orders and complies with all reporting requirements and third party payers.

d) Assists in preparation of interim and discharge summaries as requested.

3. C 4 , F 3 Manages work assignment in effective and efficient manner:

a) Remains flexible in daily planning, allowing for emergencies or unexpected visits.

b) Reports any cases to supervising therapist where goals cannot be met or at risk situation exists.

c) Maintains required productivity expectation as established by the Agency.

d) Utilizes interdisciplinary approach, attending team meetings and informing primary therapist of client's progress with therapy.

4. C 4 , F 3 Develops and maintains sufficient professional skills to meet the needs of patient care:

a) Attends a minimum of 12 hours of in-service per year.

b) Participates in self-appraisal and the formation of a plan of self-development.

c) Projects professional image through attitude and compliance with dress code.

Ancillary Duties:

1. C 3 , F 4 Performs other duties as necessary as assigned by the Rehabilitation Manager and/or Rehabilitation Team Leader:

a) Agency committees as requested.

b) Special Agency or community programs during and/or after regular hours.

c) Abides by agency weekend/holiday schedule for therapists.

Knowledge, Skills and Requirements: Knowledge of current APTA guidelines and standards. Knowledge of Agency policy, regulations, and procedures to administer patient care. Knowledge of current modalities and medical equipment relevant to patient care. Skill in identifying patient problems and communicating them clearly to a physical therapist or primary care nurse. Skill in documentation in clinical records. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients/families, physicians, co-workers, and the community. Ability to communicate clearly. Possesses adequate transportation to carry out job requirements. Must show proof of satisfactory automobile insurance with minimum coverage to be determined by Agency policy when using automobile for transportation. Possession of an individual malpractice insurance policy. Willingness to provide service in any part of Agency geographic area, according to Agency need.

Education: Graduate of Physical Therapy Assistant Associate Degree program accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of the United States Department of Education or the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation.

Experience: One year of acute care experience. Additional experience in home health care preferred.

Certificate/License: Certification by the State of Connecticut.