Physical Therapy Assistant

Position Summary:

Executes Physical Therapy programs, which are planned and supervised by the Physical Therapist. Maintains orderly work areas by cleaning and storing equipment in appropriate storage areas. Participates in department educational programs. Carries out job duties with caring, competence and communication in keeping with SJMC Mission.

Shift : Full Time Days

Duties and Responsibilities

Service:

• Consistently supports and communicates the Mission, Vision, and Values of St. Joseph Medical Center.
• Upholds the Standards of Conduct and Corporate Compliance.
• Administers physical therapy treatment, such as gait training and functional training to patients under the direction of the Physical Therapist.
• Assists individual patients or groups in completing goal-directed therapy programs to improve physical functioning or social interaction skills. Assists therapists in monitoring patients' progress and in planning patient treatment programs and goals, in accordance with individual needs and capabilities.
• Assists the Physical Therapist in directing patients in the use of therapy devices such as crutches, braces and the like; and in executing physical therapy exercise and gait training.
• Regularly communicates with other treatment team members (i.e. Physicians, Physical Therapists and other disciplines) in order to relay information regarding the patients' condition and progress.
• Provides instruction to patients to prepare them for treatment. Ensures that patients are in proper and comfortable position for assigned therapy procedures.
• Participates actively in discharge planning by reporting on aspects of performance to the Physical Therapist .

People:

• Consistently follows patient care, and facility guidelines and procedures in performance.
• Collaborates with inter and interprofessional colleagues to ensure quality outcomes.
• Follows the St. Joseph Medical Center Guidelines related to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), designed to prevent or detect unauthorized disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI).
• Oversees the supervision of students when they provide patient care, treatment, and services as part of their training.
• Maintains a cooperative relationship with co-workers and other hospital associates.
• Assists with the orientation and training of new associates.

Quality:

• Completes annual education requirements. Maintains competency, as evidenced by completion of competency validation requirements.
• Promotes of a culture of patient safety which results in the identification and reduction of unsafe practices.
• Uses professional judgment and critical thinking to prepare, prioritize, and execute the patient's plan of care consistent with patient assessment data, physicians' treatment plans, and professional standards of care.
• Implements measures to prevent exposure to infectious pathogens and communicable conditions.
• Identifies risks and hazards to patients through various risk assessments, with actions taken to mitigate patient harm.
• Observes patients' activities and records pertinent information regarding progress in patients' medical charts. Watches patients for signs of distress and/or fatigue, and adjusts activities as
  necessary.
• Keeps up-to-date documentation according to departmental policies.
• Maintains work is in a neat and orderly manner by changing linens on treatment tables and beds, and cleaning equipment.
• Attends department meetings, team conferences and in-services as
  required.
• Sets an example to all staff in their daily activities.

Growth :

• Maintains competency and knowledge of current standards of practice, trends, and developments.
• Enhances the patient experience by fostering a positive relationship with customers.
• Contributes to improving patient satisfaction results.

Finance:

• Promotes stewardship of hospital resources while ensuring quality patient care.
• Completes manual worksheet of daily charges for service provided and enters charges in the computer, accurately and timely

Requirements:

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant accepted by the State of Texas.
• Technical, clerical, critical thinking and interpersonal skills relevant to patient care/area.
• Ability to prioritize work with minimal supervision, in order to independently carry out the duties of the position.
• Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support certification required.
• Other certification requirements as defined by the certification policy.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Basic computer knowledge.

Houston's oldest hospital is GROWING!

Welcome to St. Joseph Medical Center (SJMC), Houston's first and only downtown hospital delivering world-class care for the last 137 years and looking forward to the next century of exceptional care to Houstonians when they need us most.

Whether it's for a scheduled surgery, the birth of a baby, an unexpected emergency, or an outpatient visit, we have staff available around the clock to provide you access to immediate, quality health care. SJMC has been providing health care services to Greater Houston residents for over 130 years, which should give you great comfort in knowing that we have a great tradition of caring for our community. We strive to meet our patients' expectations and encourage our patients to provide us with feedback on how we can help them have the best experience possible while they're in our care.

Over the last years we have expanded our services to include the Advanced Wound Care Center, Comprehensive Cardiac and Vascular Services, the Women's Center, the St. Joseph Maternal Fetal Medicine Center, and a Weight Loss Surgery Program, just to name a few. As you work with our physicians, nurses, case managers, educators, and other staff, you will be guided through your health care journey, from diagnosis to treatment, with compassion every step of the way.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the foundation of the care St Joseph Medical Center provides to our community we are privileged to support in all of our employment practices. We do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression or any other non-job-related characteristic.