Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The purpose of a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant is to implement patient plans of care under the direction of the Physical Therapist. Under the direction of a Physical Therapist, performs tasks to maintain department in a neat and organized condition.

Job Duties / Responsibilities

• Implements patient care plan as assigned by the Physical Therapist, and reports on patient condition, reactions, and response to treatment.
• Accurately documents patients scheduled appointments in conjunction with rehabilitation staff to ensure patient continuity of care and patient satisfaction.
• Ensures understanding from the patient, family, referring doctor, and other professionals regarding progress, problems, home programs, and other issues related to the therapeutic process.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates therapeutic physical therapy programs and services.
• Accurately maintains records of work performed to ensure proper documentation, billing, and hours worked in compliance of organizational, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintains equipment and supplies used as part of the therapeutic process.
• Practices safety, environmental, and/or infection control methods.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Continues professional growth by attending educational meetings, workshops, visiting related facilities, and reading professional literature to ensure compliance with regulating physical therapy board, and state licensure requirements.
• Participates in 4 activities per year within the community that promotes the rehabilitation department.
• Attends 10 staff meetings per year to ensure communication of departmental and organizational updates and changes.
• Acute setting - meet or exceed 2.0 units per patient visit. Outpatient setting - meet or exceed 3.0 units per patient visit.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program.
• Currently licensed in the State of Ohio.
• Health Care provider CPR Certified.
• A valid driver's license is required (if you do not have a valid Ohio driver’s license you must obtain one within 30 days of your residency in the state). You must also meet BVHS's company fleet policy and insurance company requirements, and any other requirements that may be required to operate a vehicle.
• Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required.
• Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient status. Must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the area’s policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualificatons

• 3-5 years of experience working in an outpatient facility specifically with orthopedic patients in a fast paced environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

General: Frequently pushes patients in wheelchairs (100-350 lbs.) into and out of treatment areas and adjusts patient’s position for table or computer access. Also assists patients to adjust extremities or re-position upper body in chair. Frequently applies modalities, e.g. H.P., ultrasound, EGS. Frequently travels within building to locate patients on units, treat patients in other clinical areas, or to assist in-patient transport. Frequently transports patient’s folders, treatment materials, and office supplies (1-5 lbs.). Frequently pushes/pulls file and storage cabinet drawers to retrieve and return materials. Frequently changes body position from sit-stand or stand-sit during treatment, documentation, general office activities. Occasionally provides steadying or light assistance to ambulatory patients for standing or walking within the department or in hallways. Occasionally lifts/adjusts patient seated in wheelchair with or without assistance.

Fine Motor Coordination: Frequently writes to document patient care or to demonstrate or assist patient during treatment; occasionally types on computer to retrieve reports. Frequently uses fine motor skills during palpation of muscle function, or deep muscle massage.

Verbal Expression: Frequently presents treatment stimuli verbally to provide verbal assistance to patients in order to ensure proper body position. Presents information verbally to other professionals in formal and informal meetings, case staffing, and in telephone consultations.

Hearing: Hearing involved in receiving verbal information from other professionals and obtaining information form patients for proper documentation.

Vision: Frequently must read literature, reports and other written materials from other professionals, and CIS and billing computer terminals.

Environmental Factors: The practice of medical physical therapy involves occasional risk of infection (e.g. MRSA, hepatitis, and other blood borne pathogens) which requires the use of safety precautions such as surgical masks, gowns, gloves, and special hand-washing procedures. Materials and treatment surfaces may also require special handling.

This position is classified "at risk" for possible occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.).