Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant, OPA Foot/Ankle- Anchorage, Full - Time

Schedule: 5/8 (five days per week, eight hours per day)

Orthopedic Physicians Alaska seeks a highly skilled, dedicated and professional Physical Therapist Assistant to join our rapidly growing and dynamic team. We provide work life balance, competitive salaries and comprehensive medical, dental, FSA, life and disability insurance, as well as profit sharing, 401k, and paid time off starting at three (3) weeks/year.

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is responsible for patient care under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist as mandated by the State of Alaska Practice Act and in accordance with the principles and practices of physical therapy and Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) policies and procedures. The PTA possesses education and training to assist the physical therapist to carry out prescribed treatment programs with minimal supervision. The PTA develops treatment plans, supervises assistants and aides, contributes to case management, and provides quality patient care. The PTA maintains positive interaction with facilities and clients to enhance and expand client relations with OPA facilities and staff.

Ideal attributes

• Ability to work effectively within the team concept.
• Leadership skills sufficient to effectively direct and supervise activities of staff and aides in delivering quality care to patients, including coaching and teaching skills.
• Strong organizational, time management and planning skills.
• Effective clinical problem solving skills and the ability to identify and prioritize issues in a responsive manner, and to develop and execute sound, innovative action plans and ensure appropriate results.
• Strong communication skills to present accurate, concise, and organized oral and written information to patients and staff.
• Computer skills for effective management of patient records, management reports and billing.

Representative duties

• Evaluate, treat and direct treatment for patients for whom physical therapy is medically necessary. Document this need clearly.
• Maintain ongoing documentation in which goals, progress toward functional goals, and medical necessity are clearly stated.
• Complete all required documentation (pre-certification, physician reports, daily notes and charges) legibly, appropriately, and in a timely fashion to meet facility, physician and payer deadlines.
• Maintain open and respectful communication with co-workers, physicians, patients, family members, and third party payors at all times.
• Attend and/or participate in department meetings as directed by Director of Therapy Services.
• Supervise staff, aides and students as needed.
• Keep therapy area clean, neat and presentable in appearance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Therapy Services.

Knowledge and skill requirements

• Ability to frequently lift patients using appropriate biomechanical lifting techniques throughout the course of the work day/shift; must be capable of easily lifting fifty (50) pounds dead weight alone.
• Ability to walk, bend, stand and reach consistently during the work day/shift.
• Visual acuity (near and distant) sufficient to evaluate, diagnose and monitor patient needs and to maintain accurate records, recognize people and provide directions.
• Ability to speak and hear sufficiently to understand and give directions.
• Ability to push wheeled equipment through the facility and to the community.
• Possess fine motor skills for legible and accurate writing of reports, charting, scheduling daily correspondence and presentations, either manually or through use of dictation equipment.
• Possess fine motor skills for the effective and efficient handling of diagnostic or therapeutic equipment.

Required qualifications

• Graduate of an American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) accredited school of Physical Therapy.
• Licensed in the state of Alaska and in good standing to practice physical therapy.

Candidates meeting the above skills and qualifications and desiring to be part of a patient-centered, professional environment are invited to apply.

The mission of OrthoAlaska, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska division is to provide the finest orthopedic surgery and musculoskeletal care in North America through quality, patient-centered care. Each of our physicians and surgeons works in concert with a certified orthopedic surgical physician assistant and other staff to provide patients an individualized care-team experience. Currently, we have offices in Anchorage, Wasilla, and Eagle River. Employees enjoy opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment and exposure to a full range of orthopedic care with orthopedic, injury walk-in, and rheumatology clinics, an imaging center, athletic training and physical, occupational and massage therapy. OPA values quality, patient-centered care, personal fulfillment through continuous improvement, team development, and community service. We welcome applicants who embrace our same core values and possess a daily renewed attitude of excellence. OPA benefits include health and dental insurance, life and disability insurance, 401(k) and profit sharing, as well as paid time off.

OrthoAlaska is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, pregnancy, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected categories.

Orthopedic Physicians Alaska