Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Part Time Kearney Area

Overview:

TABITHA’S PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully.

Responsibilities:

POSITION SUMMARY:

Each Physical Therapist Assistant enhances the living experience for Tabitha’s seniors/residents/clients (hereinafter, “seniors/clients”) by providing Physical Therapy services to seniors/clients under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist. Services will be provided to seniors/clients with physical or cognitive disabilities to maximize functional independence. Services are provided in a variety of settings including nursing home, home health care, and other contracted facilities. This TEAMember strives to uphold Tabitha’s LIVE2Care Culture and actively embraces Tabitha’s Core Values. By doing so, the TEAMember supports Tabitha goals related to the dignity, respect, independence, competence, autonomy, personal comfort, safety and security of seniors/clients. In addition, the TEAMeber contributes to the success of Tabitha through ongoing collaboration with family members, TEAMembers, management, volunteers and others in the organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Reviews senior’s/client’s chart and obtains current information that may affect Physical Therapist treatment. Seeks guidance from supervising Physical Therapist.

2. Recognizes abnormal physiologic changes and reports them to the supervising Physical Therapist.

3. Performs Physical Therapy treatment procedures as delegated by supervising Physical Therapist in accordance with the initial evaluation and plan of care.

4. Actively participates in senior/client care conferences and provides input to the Physical Therapist for developing the plan of care.

5. Actively maintains work schedule which allows for coverage in all Rehab programs as needed.

6. Uses strength, agility, stamina and prioritization skills to respond promptly to frequent and often overlapping senior/client/caregiver/TEAMember/manager needs or requests.

7. Teaches in-services relating to Rehabilitation upon request of supervisor.

8. Assists in orientation of nursing TEAMembers relating to Rehabilitation.

9. Evaluates emergency situations, performing CPR when necessary based on training. Maintains CPR Certification, taking refresher courses to continually maintain an active certification at all times. Is responsible for payment of any fees related to this if the refresher training is not taken at Tabitha.

10. Maintains, at his/her own expense, a valid Physical Therapist Assistant license. Takes care to complete continuing education requirements in advance of the renewal date.

11. Complies with HIPAA regulations regarding privacy by insuring that Protected Health Information (PHI) is safeguarded at all times. In addition, maintains a high level of confidentiality regarding any matter pertaining to any Tabitha seniors/clients.

12. Consistently uses strength, agility and good body mechanics when performing essential functions, follows appropriate safety and infection control policies and procedures of Tabitha and/or community and regulatory agencies.

13. Assures reports of broken and malfunctioning equipment are made in a timely manner.

14. Follows disaster plans and uses strength and agility during participation in preparedness drills and actual emergencies. Maintains a safe work environment.

15. Completes required training and in-services promptly. Demonstrates understanding of the course content and implements training in daily activities.

16. Makes good decisions that contribute to the well-being of the elders/clients.

17. Performs work duties within the assigned work environment related to the position, as assigned by Tabitha, regardless of TEAMemeber preference.

18. Maintains courteous relationship with supervisors, TEAMembers, seniors/clients, family members, loved ones, members of other departments and volunteers, providing support and assistance to TEAMembers to ensure quality senior/client care. Volunteers to assist others, seeks opportunities to serve seniors/clients/loved ones/TEAMembers/Tabitha. Demonstrates the ability to listen to TEAMembers/senior/client, caregiver, family concerns and take appropriate action.

19. Demonstrates knowledge of the care and treatment of all seniors/clients. Maintains the strength and stamina sufficient to perform safe transfers to and from rehab equipment, wheel chair, chair, etc.

20. Participates in meetings and in-services on both department and company levels.

21. Maintains a good record of attendance and punctuality as defined by Tabitha’s policy pertaining to attendance and punctuality. Records all time worked accurately and consistently using the timekeeping method provided by Tabitha.

22. Complies with Tabitha policies and procedures as published by Tabitha and which may be modified at Tabitha’s discretion. Contributes to quality assurance and performance improvement activities by identifying instances of non-compliance and taking appropriate action, including reporting violations of Tabitha policy or regulations as appropriate.

23. Acts with integrity and in the best interest of Tabitha. Business relationships are conducted in the best interest of Tabitha, free of gifts, cash inducements, gratuities, favors, or other perceived improper inducements.

24. Willingly takes on additional duties and/or assignments, assisting with projects and responding to requests as assigned or as necessary.

Tabitha’s Core Values

As a member of the Tabitha team, I will…

CARE

…extend unwavering Christian compassion

CONNECT

…build relationships rooted in love, because love matters

CUSTOMER CENTRIC

…identify, clarify and anticipate needs to exceed expectations

COLLABORATE

…create an atmosphere of teamwork

CULTIVATE

…nurture an environment of innovation and growth

COURAGE

…demonstrate confidence, boldness and determination

COMMIT

…devote our time, talent and treasures

CELEBRATE

…recognize and encourage all accomplishments big and small

Qualifications:

COMMUNICATION

Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language including medical terminology related to the job. Sufficient fluency to be able to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, provide instruction to others, read and understand a plan of care or service plan, policies, procedures or other similar documentation, interact successfully with seniors/clients/caregivers, hold a conversation, conduct or participate in meetings, compose professional e-mails or other written communication, prepare legible, accurate and thorough documentation as required by the job and effectively interact with TEAMembers, customers, vendors, volunteers, managers and family members. Ability to recognize and interpret non-verbal cues. Ability to respond calmly and clearly to emergencies and emotional situations.

WORKSITE CONDITIONS

Works indoors in a facility maintained by Tabitha that will typically be in good repair, clean, well ventilated and well lit if working in a Tabitha living community PTA position. Frequently works in senior/client homes which will vary significantly as far as their state of repair if working in a Home Health Care PTA position. Frequent exposure to heat/steam (in bath facility), dust, disinfectants, infectious waste, communicable diseases, bodily fluids, blood borne pathogens, cleaning products, personal care products. Frequent interruptions and changes in priorities based on needs of seniors/clients. Frequent exposure to road hazards, extremes in temperature, sun, wind, snow, ice, rain, various driving conditions which are subject to change without notice, unpaved roads, ice and snow covered sidewalks/steps/porches, houses that are too warm or too cold, houses that are not maintained in a sanitary condition, noise from senior/client televisions/radios, phones. Occasional exposure to hazardous chemicals. Occasional exposure to outdoors and the resulting extremes in temperature and exposure to sun, rain, heat, cold, wind, allergens. Frequent interaction with seniors/clients, TEAMembers, visitors, representatives of government agencies, etc. under all conditions and circumstances. This will include exposure to seniors/clients, family members and TEAMembers who may experience extremes in emotions. Seniors/clients, in particular, may become agitated or combative. Works beyond normal scheduled hours and on weekends and holidays when assigned. Is subject to extended hours or callback during emergency conditions or based upon needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to gain access to the work area and then safely perform the duties of the job while utilizing standard and specialized equipment, including but not limited to the equipment described below. Ability to drive vehicle from place to place, gain access to each senior/client home. Ability to safely perform the duties of the job while utilizing standard and specialized equipment, including but not limited to the equipment described below. Physical stamina with the ability to perform duties while moving about the work area for the entire shift with few opportunities to sit down and with little or no break between tasks. Strength and agility sufficient to frequently and continuously lift, push, pull, reach, squat, kneel, bend, carry, twist, pinch, grasp, climb stairs while performing duties (such as transferring and re-positioning) and manipulating various supplies and equipment. Frequent periods of intense activity. Ability to safely perform unassisted transfers (to and from rehab equipment, bed, chair, toilet, commode, bathtub or shower) and otherwise provide care to seniors/clients who are weak, frail, obese, or unable to assist due to limited mobility, quadriplegia, paraplegia, tremors, paralysis, etc. Ability to remain calm and work effectively when others (such as seniors/clients, TEAMembers or family members) experience emotional extremes, up to and including seniors/clients who become combative. Vision and hearing within normal limits (with or without correction). Must have unrestricted lift/push/pull ability and pass a 50 - pound physical exam demonstrating strength and agility prior to employment and from time to time thereafter at Tabitha’s discretion.

EQUIPMENT USAGE

Standard and specialized equipment including but not limited to physical assistive devices evaluation/treatment, walkers, canes, splints, braces, crutches, wheelchairs, goniometer, ultrasound, ergometer, dynamometers, whirlpools, intermitted compression unit, CPM, electrical stimulation devices, Cybex Kinetron, Upper Body Exercise Ergometer, Biodex Balance System, NuStep, humidifier, fan, Dictaphone, telephone, computer, electronic devices, and photocopier.

AGE REQUIREMENT: At least age 18.

EDUCATION: Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant school.

EXPERIENCE: One year experience as PTA, preferred. Geriatric experience, preferred.

CREDENTIALS

Physical Therapist Assistant license in good standing as recorded on the Nebraska State Registry required. CPR Required. Valid Nebraska Driver’s license (unless otherwise allowed by law) and a good driving record required. Must possess auto insurance at or above Nebraska statutory requirements. All licenses, certifications, and permits must be kept up to date at the expense of the employee. Must meet Tabitha's vaccination requirements

STATEMENT OF EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Tabitha Health Care Services is an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, mental or physical disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all employment practices and decisions including recruitment, selection, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefits, and the termination of employment. 

 Furthermore, Tabitha Health Care Services will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship, safety, and/or health risk. Please contact Tabitha Health Care Services Human Resources Department to request an accommodation.

 As a government contractor, the organization has adopted written Affirmative Action Plans for women and minorities, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. These plans will be revised on an annual basis. Tabitha Health Care Services is committed to making a good-faith effort toward achieving the objectives of the Plans. Any employee who would like to review the Plans may do so by scheduling an appointment with the Human Resources Department during normal business hours.