Physical Therapist Assistant

Job Summary

We are currently seeking an experienced Physical Therapy Assistant to join our outpatient team that serves clinical populations in the area of neurologic and general rehabilitation. The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for assisting our neurologic/rehabilitation physical therapists in the care and treatment of patients with impairments related to balance, deconditioning, and general rehabilitation diagnoses. Physical Therapy Assistants will assess the patient’s day-to-day progress and will report findings to the physical therapist. They will also implement and modify treatment programs as the patient progresses, with the guidance from the physical therapist.

Responsibilities*

• Provides treatment under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, following focused treatment plan based on established goals.
• Monitors patients' response to treatment and modifies treatment as necessary.
• Assists Physical Therapist in carrying out complex procedures and programs.
• Instructs patients in physical therapy activities and in the use of equipment.
• Identifies the need for home treatment programs; plans and instructs the patient and family / caregivers in home treatment programs.
• Assists in orientation and training of new staff and volunteers.
• Supervises physical therapy assistant students.

Required Qualifications*

• Associate degree in a Physical Therapy Assistant approved program.
• Current licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the State of Michigan
• This position requires Primary Source Verification

Desired Qualifications*

• Strong communication skills and implementation of therapeutic exercise programs are necessary.
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant, with at least 1 year in outpatient/ambulatory neurological rehabilitation treating patients with one or more neurological diagnoses, including but not limited to stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and/or multiple sclerosis.
• Familiarity with outcome measures such as Berg Balance Scale, TUG, 10-Meter Walk Test, Dynamic Gait Index, Functional Gait Assessment
• Experience working with body-weight supported gait training
• Demonstrated experience with functional electrical stimulation (FES), including appropriate patient selection, setup, and integration into functional tasks (e.g., gait training, upper extremity re-education)
• LSVT BIG Certification
• Experience treating individuals with functional neurological disorders

Why Work at Michigan?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits Can You Look Forward To?

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 2:1 match on retirement savings
• Generous paid time off
• Support for continuing education
• 1:1 patient care model

Work Schedule

Full-time (40 hours/week). Specific schedule to be determined. Clinic is open Monday-Thursday, 7am-7pm and Friday 7am-5pm.

Union Affiliation

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the United Michigan Medicine Allied Professionals (UMMAP), which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.