Field Physical Therapy Assistant in Austin, TX

$2500 Sign-on Bonus for External Candidates

Opportunities at WellMed, part of the Optum family of businesses. We believe all patients are entitled to the highest level of medical care. Here, you will join a team who shares your passion for helping people achieve better health. With opportunities for physicians, clinical staff and non-patient-facing roles, you can make a difference with us as you discover the meaning behind Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 
 
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) contracted or employed through the Organization is responsible for implementation of standards of care for physical therapy services and for adherence to all conditions outlined in the Personnel Services Agreement. The PTA, under the supervision of a physical therapist (PT), administers medically prescribed physical therapy for patients suffering from injuries or muscle, nerve, joint and bone diseases, to restore function, relieve pain, and to prevent disability. The PTA ensures quality and safe delivery of care in compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and policies.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Provide physical therapy services to patient according to a written Plan of Care established by a PT through the orders of a physician. This may include, but will not be limited to:
  • Performing physical therapy treatment
  • Instructing patients and/or families/caregivers in the use and care of therapeutic appliances and assistive devices
  • Reports to supervising PT and physician patient’s reaction to treatment or changes in condition
• Instructs other personnel and/or family caregiver members in certain phases of physical therapy with which they may work with a patient, as well as instructing them as to the goals of the physical therapy program for the patient by participating in case conferences
• Prepares and submits clinical notes based on the attainment of goals
• Participates in discharge planning for patient
• Provide in-service education related to physical therapy to agency personnel as needed
• Participates in peer consultation process
• Maintains contact/communication with other personnel involved in the patient’s care to promote coordinated, efficient care
• Maintain clinical competency in physical therapy practice and theory including maintaining required continuing education as specified by state licensing board
• Maintains a productivity standard of 27-32 visits per week
• Adheres to the agency’s Standard Operating Procedures as it relates to the submission of documentation
• Fits, adjusts, and trains patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs
• Provides wound care as ordered by physician and within the care plan established by the PT, commensurate with experience and skills validation
• Advises and consults with patients and caregivers
• Recognizes and reports life threatening situations and responds appropriately
• Exhibits professionalism and is courteous with all patients, physicians and co-workers
• Demonstrates knowledge and observance of the Patient’s Bill of Rights and Notice of Privacy Practices
• Follows all infection control standard precautions and safety guidelines/standards as per agency policy
• Participates in educational programs and all required in-service programs to maintain comprehensive home care knowledge base, as assigned by supervisor
• Complies with all Homecare Dimensions, Inc. Agency’s policies and procedures. Promotes and maintains an agency environment that is in compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Participates in the agency’s endeavors for accreditation, licensing and professional recognition according to state, federal and/or CHAP’s requirements. Participates in the Performance Improvement Program activities of the Agency’s and periodic review of clinical records, as assigned

Communication:

• Communicates with the physician and supervising PT regarding patient needs and reports any changes in patient condition; obtains/receives physician’s orders as required
• Communicates with community health related personnel to coordinate the Plan of Care
• Coordinates services and schedules with the Clinical Team Manager (CTM) and Clinical Team
• Coordinator (CTC/Scheduler) to include recommendations for additional home health care services for patients within 1 business day of identifying need
• Documents all communications with the patient, family, physician, other disciplines, and appropriate others as indicated on communication notes

Additional Duties:

• Participates in on-call duties within the on-call rotation schedule, to include weekends as assigned
• Ensures arrangements for equipment and other necessary items and services are available
• Maintains a daily patient case load and point of care documentation levels as per Agency standards
• Demonstrates personal responsibility with regard to attendance and punctuality
• Maintains privacy and confidentiality with regard to all patient, staff and Agency information
• Demonstrates flexibility, enthusiasm and willingness to cooperate while working with others or in place of others, as necessary
• Expresses verbal and written communication in a clear, positive and collaborative manner
• Ensures that time off is entered in the timecard timely
• Promotes the Agency’s image by adhering to the Agency Dress Code
• At a minimum, performs quarterly chart audits discipline specific
• Performs all other related duties as assigned

You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Possess an active unrestricted State of Texas license to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant
• Have and maintain current CPR certification
• 2+ years of appropriate experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant
• Experience working with an EMR application
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of current Physical Therapy professional standards of care, and state and federal regulations
• Ability to endure prolonged or considerable walking or standing; lift position or transfer patients in a proximate location; lift supplies and equipment; perform reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching. Visual acuity and hearing, functional or corrected, to perform required job duties
• Complies with accepted professional standards and practices
• Basic computer skills to include Microsoft Word, Outlook and Other email systems
• Ability to prioritize and communicate objectives clearly
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license and maintain personal auto insurance coverage in accordance with organization requirements

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Community/home health experience
• Demonstrate excellent observation, verbal and written communication and organization skills
• Ability to define problem, collect data, establish facts, interpret an extensive variety of technical, medical, regulatory instruction and deal with numerous issues to draw a valid conclusion
• Ability to interact productively with individuals and with multidisciplinary teams

Physical & Mental Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds (must be able to lift and transfer patients from one location to the other, if necessary)
• Ability to push or pull heavy objects using up to 50 pounds of force
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to use fine motor skills to operate office equipment and/or machinery
• Ability to properly drive and operate a personal/company vehicle
• Ability to receive and comprehend instructions verbally and/or in writing
• Ability to use logical reasoning for simple and complex situations

 
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.    
 
  
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.  
  
UnitedHealth Group is a drug – free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.