Physical Therapist (PTA) in Taunton, MA

Job Summary: Provide skilled therapy intervention and treatment to patients in a home setting. Including, appropriate utilization of treatment plans and assessment skills. Monitor carefully the patient status and progress toward goals as well as compliance with physician’s orders. Responsible for educating patients and caregivers while preparing the patient/caregiver for discharge as appropriate.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements:  

1.     A person who is licensed, if applicable, by the State in which practicing, unless licensure does not apply and meets one of the following requirements:

(a)            (1) Graduated after successful completion of a Physical Therapist education program approved by one of the following:

(i)   The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

(ii)    Successor organizations of CAPTE.

(iii)    An education program outside the United States determined to be substantially equivalent to Physical Therapist entry-level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or an organization identified in 8 CFR 212.15(e) as it relates to Physical Therapists; and

(3)   Passed an examination for Physical Therapists approved by the State in which physical therapy services are provided.

(b)   On or before December 31, 2022—

(1)   Graduated after successful completion of a physical therapy curriculum approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE); or

(2)   Meets both of the following:

(i)   Graduated after successful completion of an education program determined to be substantially equivalent to Physical Therapist entry level education in the United States by a credentials evaluation organization approved by the American Physical Therapy Association or identified in 8 CFR 212.15(e) as it relates to Physical Therapists.

(ii)    Passed an examination for Physical Therapists approved by the State in which physical therapy services are provided.

(c)   Before January 1, 2008—

(1)   Graduated from a physical therapy curriculum approved by one of the following:

(i)   The American Physical Therapy Association.

(ii)    The Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association.

(iii)    The Council on Medical Education of the American Medical Association and the American Physical Therapy Association.

(d)   On or before December 31, 1977 was licensed or qualified as a Physical Therapist and meets both of the following:

(1)   Has 2 years of appropriate experience as a Physical Therapist.

(2)   Has achieved a satisfactory grade on a proficiency examination conducted, approved, or sponsored by the U.S. Public Health Service.

(e)  Before January 1, 1966—

(1)   Was admitted to membership by the American Physical Therapy Association;

or

(2)   Was admitted to registration by the American Registry of Physical Therapists;

or

(3)   Has graduated from a physical therapy curriculum in a 4-year college or university approved by a State department of education.

(f)   Before January 1, 1966 was licensed or registered, and before January 1, 1970, had 15 years of full-time experience in the treatment of illness or injury through the practice of physical therapy in which services were rendered under the order and direction of attending and referring doctors of medicine or osteopathy.

(g) If trained outside the United States before January 1, 2008, meets the following requirements:

(1)   Was graduated since 1928 from a physical therapy curriculum approved in the country in which the curriculum was located and in which there is a member organization of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.

(2)   Meets the requirements for membership in a member organization of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy.

Responsibilities/essential functions: The person in this position must be able to perform the following essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

1.     Provide skilled physical therapy in accordance with the physician’s plan of treatment. *

2.     Assist the physician in the evaluation and assessment of the client’s level of functioning by applying appropriate tests and assist in the development and revision of the plan of care. *

3.     Treat clients to relieve pain, develop and restore function and maintain maximum performance using appropriate physical therapy treatments, modalities and procedures as stated in the physical therapy plan of care. *

4.     Observe, record, and report the client’s reaction to treatment and any changes in the client’s condition to the physician, Clinical Manager and Case Manager. *

5.     Educate client/caregiver and health care team in the phases of physical therapy in which they may assist the client, in the use of prosthetic and orthotic devices, and durable medical equipment, as appropriate. *

6.     Provide staff in-service education as directed by Clinical Manager.

7.     Assess and regularly reevaluate the needs of the client. Develops implements and revises the client’s plan of care. *

8.     Initiate diagnostic, preventive and rehabilitative procedures as appropriate to the client’s care safety. *

9.     Assist with plan of care and maintain continuity of and/or multidisciplinary clients whenever needed to ensure good coordination of care.

10.  Promote coordination of care through interdisciplinary case conferences and communication with physician and field staff. *

11.  Develop, prepares and maintains individualized client care progress records with accuracy, timeliness and according to agency policy and procedures.

12.  Participate in the agency’s quality improvement program. *

13.  Keep abreast of physical trends and knowledge for service provision, documentation and care coordination.

14.  Participate in staff meetings, in-service programs and Utilization reviews. *

15.  Supervise the Physical Therapy Aide at least every 30 days.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The work environment and physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to perform to the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Physical Elements

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to review a wide variety of materials in electronic or hard copy form;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to operate a personal computer, telephone, and other related equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to safely lift, move, or maneuver whatever may be necessary to successfully perform the duties of their position;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to efficiently function in a general office environment; and
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, to enable the employee to efficiently function in a general office environment, with frequent travel to a variety of field sites.

Environmental Elements

Employee works in an office environment sometimes with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and sometimes travels to patients homes where they may have direct exposure to hazardous substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Employee will have to travel to a variety of patient homes and perform in conditions that vary greatly depending upon the client’s home environment. Some homes will be clean, neat, and maintained at a comfortable temperature. Other homes may be cluttered, dirty, with an uncomfortable temperature.

The above list reflects the essential functions and other job functions considered necessary of the job identified, and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job, or assigned by supervisory personnel.  This job description is used as a guide only and not inclusive of responsibilities and job duties.

By my signature, I acknowledge that I have read and understand this job description and its requirement and that I am expected to complete all duties as assigned. I understand the job functions may be altered from time to time.

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