Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

Destiny Management Services, LLC is a leading source of staffing services and business solutions to the Federal Government. Founded in 1996, we have provided job opportunities for more than 1000 employees nationwide in various fields.

We are seeking four highly skilled and detail-oriented Physical Therapy Assistant to work on-site at a Military Treatment Facility. Quality healthcare Personnel will be utilizing military records systems to assist the department and base in its mission. Specific requirements include the following:

Core Duties:

• Carry out a program of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients, as directed by the physical therapist. Under supervision, administer such treatment as exercise, gait training, massage, whirlpool, hot packs, diathermy, ultrasound, paraffin, ice packs and traction. Instruct patients on segments of the program including proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, braces, and prosthetic appliances and devices.
• Administer traction to relieve neck and back pain, using intermittent and static traction equipment. Instruct, motivate, and assist patients to learn and improve functional activities.
• Observe patients during treatments and compile and evaluate data on patients' responses to treatments and progress and report orally or in writing to the physical therapist.
• Fit patients for, adjust, and train patients in the use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
• Confer with members of the physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs. Coordinate with other
• departments and the clinic staff to provide complete care to patients.

Specific Duties:

• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs, some of which are for patients with complex medical problems and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist.
• Utilizes physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client. Independently implements treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs. Provides varied and multifaceted physical therapy interventions based on the established care plan (e.g., therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training, etc.). This is done in consultation with a Physical Therapist.
• Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals. Persuades and motivates veterans and family members to participate in treatment plans and comply with indicated regimens and post-discharge activities. Identifies critical changes (e.g. vital signs, pain, mobility and alertness) in patient conditions to determine their medical and functional status. Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment.
• Assists in the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedure. Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage. Administers non-complex active and passive therapeutic exercise. Fits, adjusts and instructs patients in use of orthoses, prostheses, and mobility appliances. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn activities of daily living and improve functional activities.
• Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments. Answering phone calls, emails and written communication involving patient scheduling or needs of the PT clinic. This includes using electronic medical record system to attend to patient scheduling needs. Organizes workday to complete duties in a timely manner allowing time for required daily chart documentation.
• Varies procedures or positions to adjust for patient’s medical conditions. Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. With prior approval of the therapist, adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual needs. Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran. Instructs patient on varied interventions to provide materials to enhance compliance of home programs.
• Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the medical treatment facility, nursing staff, fellow therapists and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care. Works with Physical Therapists and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.
• Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers and self. Reports to Lead Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment.
• Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs. This includes training on MHS Gensis program required to document patient’s visits. Assists with the supervision and training of student physical therapy assistants, volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners.

• Degree: Associates Degree.
• Education: Graduate from a college or university accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
• Experience: One year of experience within the last two years as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• License: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a physical therapy assistant or possess current certification as a physical therapy assistant/technician as determined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).