Physical Therapy Assistant

POSITION SUMMARYThis position is responsible for the administration of physical therapy treatment under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, in accordance with physician referral, state and local organizational standards, regulatory agencies, and established departmental policies and procedures. This position demonstrates the clinical competence and knowledge necessary to provide treatment appropriate to the age of the patients served.CORE FUNCTIONS1. Administers physical therapy treatment according to the plan of care established by the Physical Therapist. Implements individualized treatment plan with consideration to the patient's physical, social, spiritual, cultural, educational and age specific needs. Provides skilled treatment in a safe manner. Monitors ongoing effectiveness of treatment and collaborates with Physical Therapist in modifying the plan of care when indicated. Identifies and prioritizes key limiting factors. Participates in discharge planning. Involves patient and family/caregiver in the treatment and decision-making process. Provides ongoing education to physician, nurse, patient, family/caregiver, and interdisciplinary team.2. Demonstrates understanding of scope of practice. Documents communication with supervising Physical Therapist. Communicates any significant change in the patient's physical function, behavior, and/or tolerance to treatment to the supervising Physical Therapist. Makes recommendations to Physical Therapist on additions to or modifications of referring orders. Provides input to the Physical Therapist to modify/update treatment goals so they are functional, measurable, patient related and reflect key limiting factors. Refers patient when treatment requires skills of Physical Therapist.3. Documents according to standards set by the department and regulatory agencies. Completes documentation within the established time frames of the department. Documents innovative and individualized treatment techniques. Documentation reflects an assessment of patient's progress or lack of progress on each visit. Treatment goals are reassessed according to department policies.4. Communicates patient information to ensure the best possible care. Communicates treatment results, and patient progress to physicians, nurses, patient, family/caregiver and the interdisciplinary team. Communicates in a clear and timely manner. Defends treatment rationale with standard practices and/or current literature.5. Exhibits adaptability in assignments as it relates to caseload, scheduling, and staffing shifts. Takes initiative to assist in other patient care areas and accepts responsibility for all patient care needs.6. Adheres to appropriate supervision guidelines per-state requirements. Participates in the training and orientation of new personnel. Assures competency of personnel, prior to delegation of task.7. Department operational activities. Attends required department staff meetings and/or follows up to obtain pertinent information. Participates in department/facility process improvement. Meets productivity standards set by the department.8. This position has responsibility for interacting with all levels of staff in a variety of departments, physicians, patients, families, and external contacts such as employees of other health care institutions, community providers and agencies concerning the health care of the patient. Also interacts with the physician offices in order to report, requires or clarify information.PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORSDP - Typical Direct Patient Care environment.Able to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.Possess physical agility and adequate reaction time to respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected patient care needs.Needs adequate hearing and visual acuity, including adequate color vision.Requires fine motor skills, adequate eye-hand coordination, and ability to grasp and handle objects.Able to use proper body mechanics to assist patients in ambulating, transferring in and out of bed, chair or wheelchair.May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.Must use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and bodily fluids.Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.May require periodic use of personal computer.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSMust have graduated from Physical Therapy Assistant program accredited by APTA, or equivalent.Must possess a current Arizona Physical Therapy Assistant license. BLS certification required.Relates throughout the interview process their clinical competency, experience, training and education they have received that is required to perform the job.Patient care equipment, and therapeutic modalities. Copier, multi-line/multi-feature telephone, fax machine, computer, pager, and miscellaneous office equipment.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSAdditional related education and/or experience preferred. #J-18808-Ljbffr