(Full-Time, Days) Home Health
Pay range: $28.94 - $43.40

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                     Physical Therapy Assistant

REPORTS TO POSITION:        Manager

DEPARTMENT:                       Home Health

DATE LAST REVIEWED:         December 6, 2018

OUR VISION:               Creating America’s healthiest community, together

OUR MISSION:            In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value

OUR VALUES:             Accountability, Caring and Teamwork

DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Home Health department provides regional, skilled, medical services to patients that are unable to leave their homes to access medical care. Services include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, medical social work, aide, and phlebotomy

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Physical Therapy Assistant Provides physical therapy treatment/plan of care developed by and under the supervision of a physical therapist(s) in the home health setting. This position does not directly manage any other caregivers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

Provides physical therapy treatment to patients under the supervision and per plan of care of a licensed physical therapist.

  

Treatment may include, but is not limited to, therapeutic exercise for range of motion, strengthening, transfer and gait/balance training, treatment of pain with specified modalities (e.g., ultrasound, TENs, soft tissue mobilization, application of cold and/or heat, etc.), instruction to patient, family and/or caregiver(s) as needed in home exercise program, transfer and gait techniques, and techniques to alleviate complaints of pain.

Assist the physical therapist with gathering pertinent data to be included in required physical therapy reassessments (for patients for whom the physical therapist assistant has been providing treatment).

Collaborate with the physical therapist in making modifications or changes to the plan of are or goals based on the physical therapy assistant’s treatment of that patient, the patient’s condition, progress or response to physical therapy treatments.

Make recommendations regarding discharge of patients to supervising physical therapist based on the physical therapist assistant’s treatment of the patient.

Community resource knowledge and referral process, including appropriate use of home health resources (e.g., Physical Therapists, Schedulers, Supervisors, other home health disciplines, etc.).

Functions as a member of the interdisciplinary care team to assure effective case management of patient care, including optimum clinical outcomes.

Demonstrates efficient management of workload, including implementing appropriate scheduling and case management skills (e.g., telephone triage when appropriate, use of other available disciplines and resources, including family, caregivers, facility staff, etc.), to provide required care as a strategy to enhance outcomes and decrease costs associated with patient’s care.

Meets productivity standards set forth by the home health department.

Completes required clinical documentation, including treatment notes and discharge summaries, within the time frames set forth by the home health department.

Identifies patients appropriate for telemonitoring program and Lifeline.

Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects.

Supports Value Improvement Practice (VIP- Lean) principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.

Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality.  Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.

Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate. 

Participates in creating a healing environment that supports all aspects of the care environment and the wholeness of each individual, patient and caregiver.

Participates in creating intentional relationships and demonstrates focus attitudes and behaviors that enhance the care experience.

Provides a therapeutic presence in service to others by purposefully responding to the needs of patients in a caring way, including introducing oneself and explaining role in patient’s care, asking the patient his or her preferred name, sitting with the patient to determine his or her care goals, active listening, and communicating effectively and appropriately through touch, eye contact, etc.

Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests

Documents all patient care with proficiency in compliance with hospital policies, procedures and regulatory agencies. 

May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION

                  

Required:   Graduate of physical therapist assistant program, accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical therapy Education (CAPTE).
Preferred: N/A

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

Required:   Current Oregon physical therapist assistant license.

Valid Oregon driver's license and ability to meet St. Charles Health System driving requirements. Reliable transportation and ability to drive to patient’s residence

Current AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification

Preferred: N/A

EXPERIENCE

Required:  One year experience as a hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient or rehabilitation physical therapist assistant.
Preferred:  Home health experience                 

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Continually (75% or More): Standing, walking, keyboard operation, the use clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech levels.

Frequently (51% - 75%):  Sitting, lifting 1-25 lbs, carrying 1-25 lbs and pushing/pulling 1-25 lbs.

Occasionally (26% - 50%): Bending, stoop/kneel/crouch, reaching overhead, grasping/squeezing and the ability to hear whispered speech levels.

Rarely (10% - 25%): Climbing stairs.

Never (Not Included): Climbing ladder/step-stool, lifting 25-50 lbs, carrying 25-50 lbs, pushing/pulling 25-50 lbs and operation of motor vehicles.

Exposure to Elemental Factors

Frequently (51%-75%): Heat, cold, wet/slippery areas, noise, dust, vibration and uneven surfaces.

Never (0%): Chemical solutions.

Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category

Risk for Exposure to BBP

.

Schedule Weekly Hours:

40

Caregiver Type:

Regular

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Is Exempt Position?

No

Job Family:

ASSISTANT THERAPY

Scheduled Days of the Week:

Monday-Friday

Shift Start & End Time:

variable