Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Position is located in the Physical Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service (PM&RS) in the Ann Arbor VA Health System. This position is primarily focused in the Acute Care and inpatient subacute rehabilitation settings. The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides treatment that promotes the prevention, remediation and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical and psychosocial dysfunction. The PTA administers and monitors therapeutic interventions based on goals formulated by a Physical Therapist. The duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out within the medical center including various clinical, administrative and patient care areas. This position will provide care to our Veterans in the Acute Care hospital and in our short stay rehabilitation center.

Functions:

• Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the Physical Therapist.
• Plans and implements basic treatment programs and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the supervision of a physical therapist.
• Consults with the licensed Physical Therapist regarding complex or special problem cases.
• Independently develops therapeutic exercise regimen for physical therapy patients based on the assigning Physical Therapists evaluation and goals.
• Modifies exercises based on patient's response.
• Completes a review of patient data (including medical history).
• Assists in and renders a course of treatment based on the assessed needs of the patient, developing progressive types of physical therapy treatment programs.
• This is done in consultation with the 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.
• Interacts with the patient and family regarding goals for treatment.
• Assists in the performance of, or independently performs treatment procedures.
• Administers complex therapeutic exercise.
• Fits, adjusts and instructs patients in use of orthoses, prostheses, wheelchairs, and other mobility devices.
• Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities.
• Prepares and maintains appropriate equipment and supplies required for these treatments.
• Varies procedures or positions to adjust for veterans' medical conditions.
• Modifies intervention environment, tools, materials and activities in response to each veteran's response to treatment.
• With prior approval of the therapist, adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veterans' needs.
• Modifies or adapts specialized treatment approaches within the scope of the established treatment plan to reflect the changing needs of the veteran.
• Prepares written and oral reports for the physical therapists and other professionals concerned with the patient's care.
• Completes all required computerized computer documentation.
• Maintains a clean and 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.
• Writes work orders and reports to Chief Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment.
• Follows infection control and all other safety procedures.
• Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs.
• Assists with the clinical education of student physical therapist assistants, and the supervision and training of volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners.
• Attends all regularly scheduled department meetings.
• Presents inservice program or journal club information as may be required.
• Performs other related duties, or responsibilities as assigned to support the overall mission of the Physical Therapy department or the Medical Center.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm

Telework: Not available

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 92719-A (GS-8)

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized