Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Summary
Carries out Physical Therapy treatment plans for inpatients and outpatients to improve quality of life. Delivers preventive, corrective, and restorative care using a broad range of rehabilitative techniques under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.

Job Requirements

Minimum Education

• Associate's Degree from a CAPTE approved Physical Therapy Assistant program or equivalent.

Required Licenses

• State licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• BLS required or must obtain within 90 days of employment

Required Skills

• Prior experience as a PTA preferred. New graduates will be considered.
• Ability to operate all Physical Therapy modalities and perform Physical Therapy procedures and treatments as assigned.
• Good interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English.
• Proficient with computers and software, with the ability to learn new software rapidly.

Functional Demands

Physical Requirements

Exerts 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Frequently reaches (extending hands and arms in any direction), and handles (seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or working with hands). Occasionally stoop (bending the body downward and forward by bending the spine at the waist), crouches (bending the body downward and forward by bending legs and spine), and feels (perceiving attributes of items as size, shape, temperature, or texture by means of the fingertips).

Organizational Expectations

Behavioral Attributes

The following behavioral attributes are required: achievement motivation, concern for order, flexibility, initiative, self-confidence, customer service oriented, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, analytical thinking and information seeking.

Essential Functions

• Assists the licensed Physical Therapist in carrying out procedures and treatment programs. Communicates with the evaluating therapist to help ensure re-assessments are done per compliance guidelines.
• Observes and assesses patient reactions during treatment. Recognizes when treatment plans may need modification to meet patient needs and reports to the therapist.
• Completes documentation to meet regulatory requirements including interventions provided in combination with patient response.
• Documents accurate charges on all patients on a timely basis.
  Initiates appropriate schedule changes on a timely basis.
• Provides treatment efficiently and effectively. Maintains acceptable productivity levels to minimize backlogs in patient flow.
• Provides supervision and direction to Rehab Services Technicians in their performance of treatments as appropriate.
• Requests input from the supervising therapist when problems arise.
• Provides clinical instruction to students as needed.
• May provide in-service training as needed.
• Completes continuing education and in-service programs to meet regulatory and job requirements as applicable.
• Actively participates in staff meetings and on committees as requested.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Presents and promotes a professional demeanor at all times, establishes high standards of customer service and patient care, supports responsibility, pride, and teamwork, remains calm when under pressure, and offers reasonable solutions for problems. Relates to patients in a compassionate and sincere manner.
• Demonstrates appropriate interaction with and provides recommended care and services to all patients.
• Exhibits knowledge and basic understanding regarding the needs of neonatal, adolescent, pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, and the cultural needs of all patients.
• Applies knowledge of principles of standard precautions. Routinely and consistently uses PPE to avoid risk of exposure to self and others.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
• Respects diverse views and approaches, and contributes in maintaining an environment of professionalism, tolerance, civility and acceptance toward all employees, patients and visitors. Attends all H.E.A.R.T trainings.
• Provides coverage when needed at other locations within Heywood Healthcare.
• Completes all Annual Mandatory Education requirements and any other required mandatory education. (i.e. malpractice)
• Participates in meeting Quality measures, tracking and reporting.
• All other duties and locations as assigned.

Statement of Other Duties

This document describes the major duties and responsibilities for this job, and is not intended to be a complete list of all tasks and functions. It should be understood, therefore, that employees may be asked to perform job-related duties beyond those explicitly described.