PRN Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapy Assistant

Administers the physical therapy treatments as directed by a physical therapist; reports changes in condition or unexpected response; maintains equipment in department in an orderly fashion and supervises the physical therapy aide.

Minimum Qualifications

For Physical Therapist Assistant working in West Virginia or Ohio:

• Current Physical Therapy Assistant licensure within the state of West Virginia or appropriate state where services will be provided.
• Eligible for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must have reliable vehicle.
• CPR certification within 30 days of hire date.

For Physical Therapist Assistant working in Pennsylvania:

• Current Physical Therapy Assistant-Indirect Supervision license.
• Eligible for membership in the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must have reliable vehicle.
• CPR certification within 30 days of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience: One year of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Performs all physical therapy assistant criteria as outlined on physical therapy assistant skills list as it relates to Physical Therapy.
• Provides care, based on physical, psychosocial, communication, safety, education level, and related criteria for the infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric patient per the established age-specific education/standard. Separate competency will be completed prior to caring for infants, pediatrics, or adolescents.
• Assesses, reports, and records changes in condition and reaction to treatment as per policy and procedure.
• Obtains accurate pulses, blood pressure, and respiration rate.
• Performs the treatment plan as implemented by the physical therapist.
• Demonstrates the skills to gait transfer train patients as implemented by the physical therapist.
• Delivers effective therapeutic exercises as prescribed by the physical therapist.
• Appropriately position patients and operate exercise equipment including isotonic, isokinetic, isometak, and CPM devises as directed by the physical therapist.
• Effectively teach home programs designed by the physical therapist.
• Operates wheelchairs, hospital beds, lifting devices, and patient chairs in a safe manner.
• Manages oxygen equipment including portable tanks, long cords, nasal canula, and masks as per standard of care as it relates to physical therapy.
• Complies with Home Health regulations, policies, and procedures for physical therapy, including but not limited to visits/communication standards.
• Documents patient status and care or services furnished in appropriate areas as defined by the documentation policy and procedure.
• Performs CPR when directed by patient's/appropriate representative's wishes.
• Displays safe, efficient, and prudent use and maintenance of D.M.E. and medical supplies and adaptive equipment.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the supply requisition systems as per policy and procedure.
• Performs treatments/procedures according to specific standards.
• Performs and monitors patient teaching according to the policy and procedures.
• Coordinates the care team in order to facilitate a change in the level of care in compliance with the change in level of care standard.
• Identifies the stages of death and dying.
• Reports on healthcare concerns or changes in condition to physical therapist and/or RN.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here 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.

• Must be able to lift, move, and position patients of all weights with varying amounts of assistance in a fair manner on a regular and recurring basis.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds occasionally, 20 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.
• Frequent walk, stand, stoop, kneel, reach, push, pull, and lift are all necessary body movements utilized in performing duties throughout the work shift.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Exposure to bodily fluids, human tissues, contagious diseases, sharps, and explosive gases.
• Exposure to cleaning agents and disinfectants.
• Exposure to toxic gases, fumes, and odors.
• Exposure to high stress and constant interruptions.
• Exposure to electrical current.
• Exposure to radiation from x-rays.
• Exposure to wind, rain, snow, sleet, mud, high and low temperatures, animals and insects, and hazardous roadways.
• The majority of work is performed in the patient's home and may require extensive travel.
• Subject to unpredictable situations. May be exposed to adverse or unpleasant home environments.

Skills and Abilities

Must have strong communication skills, written and verbal. Must have effective reading and comprehensive skills. Must be able to follow direction. Must be able to identify problems and relay this to the physical therapist. Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with safety policies and procedures.

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 0

Shift:

Exempt/Non-Exempt: United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company: SHC WVUHS Home Care

Cost Center: 377 SHC Home Health Gassaway

Address: 100 Hoylman Drive Gassaway West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.