Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant
Alton, Illinois
BJC Home Care

Job Opportunity: Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Home Health

Location: Glen Carbon, Illinois
Facility: BJC Home Care
Hospital System: BJC HealthCare
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

• Role: Home Health Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
• Patient Ratio: 1:6
• Required Experience: Minimum 2 years
• First-time Travelers: Not accepted
• Weekend Work: Not required
• On-call: Not specified
• Block Schedule Accommodation: No
• Local Candidates: Not accepted (must live at least 75 miles from facility)
• Floating: May float within scope to meet facility needs
• Territory Coverage: 40-80 miles radius
• Return to Office (RTO) Restrictions: No more than 7 days
• Guaranteed Hours: 3 shifts per 13 weeks (cancelled shifts must be full shift length)

Required Certifications & Licenses

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only
• State Licensed PTA
• Driver’s License (required for Home Health positions)
• ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, EFM, MAB, CPI, NIH Stroke Certification, and others may be required depending on unit (check specific unit requirements)
• Primary Source Verification of Professional License required
• Pending licenses not accepted
• NURSYS verification required for Missouri and Illinois licenses
• IV Certification not required for Illinois facilities
• Background Check within 6 months required
• Drug Testing within 1 year required and must remain valid during assignment

Required Skills & Experience

• Previous home care experience mandatory
• Strong critical thinking and assessment skills
• Effective communication and collaboration with Physical Therapists
• Knowledge of cardiopulmonary, geriatrics, medical surgical, orthopedics
• Proficient in use of adaptive and assistive devices (gait belt, rolling walker, sliding boards, standard walker, supplemental oxygen)
• Skilled in AROM/AAROM/PROM, pain assessment, sensory response, skin integrity, strength testing, vital signs, breathing techniques
• Ability to identify environmental barriers
• Experience with total hip and knee replacement patients
• Competent in home exercise programs, lifting and transfer techniques, medication knowledge
• Patient and family education, scheduling appointments, and telephone communication
• Time management and organizational skills
• Flexibility and efficiency in work

Work Environment & Policies

• Scrub Color: Any professional, clean appearance
• Charting System: EPIC
• Facility Policies: Must adhere to dress code, hand hygiene, fingernail, and confidentiality policies
• Badge Photo: Required (head and shoulders, white background, no obstructions)

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Physical Exam within 1 year of start
• Fit Mask testing required annually (N95 models accepted)
• Immunizations and Titers:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (required every 10 years)
  • Negative TB test or equivalent within 1 year
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination as required
  • Hepatitis B declination form required (vaccination not mandatory)
  • Seasonal Flu Vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season
• Background Checks: 7-year criminal background check including statewide, nationwide, sex offender, and international if applicable
• Employment Application and Education Verification required
• Skills Checklist specific to unit required within 1 year of start
• Various facility-specific documents including HIPAA acknowledgement, latex allergy questionnaire, regulatory compliance education, confidentiality form, and others must be completed and updated annually
• Auto insurance copy required for driving positions

Additional Notes

• Mileage reimbursement available for travel within the territory
• Candidates must comply with all state-specific requirements and searches (e.g., fingerprinting for Illinois long-term care or rehab facilities, state exclusion lists)
• References: Two professional references required, preferably supervisors within the last year
• Performance evaluations may be completed by BJC managers after assignment completion

This position is ideal for experienced PTAs with home health expertise who are seeking a travel contract in Illinois with a reputable healthcare system. Candidates must be fully licensed, certified, and compliant with all facility and state requirements.