Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapy Assistant

Open until filled

This is not a union position.

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as supervised by the staff Physical Therapist. Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the staff Physical Therapist, after the Physical Therapist has evaluated the patient.

The Physical Therapy Assistant assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The Physical Therapy Assistant participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Provides treatment and rehabilitative services to patients who have experienced injury or disabling disease. Provides patients with exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction and ultrasound, among other assigned duties.
• Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the staff Physical Therapist. Adheres to standards of physical medicine practice.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with staff Physical Therapist.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Responsible for the monitoring and documentation of patient treatment and response.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate, staff Physical Therapist is apprised of conclusions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Participates in all infection prevention and control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, hospital staff and members of the department.
• Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient's needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to staff and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Participates in educational staff performance improvement in-services. Assists with orientation and in-services training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Assists in ordering supplies, maintains adequate PAR levels to assure all supplies and equipment is readily available.
• Perform related duties as assigned by management.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Actively checks and responds to emails throughout the day.
• Completes all mandatory education within the given time-frame.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled.
• Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner in the community.
• Attends annual review and department in-services as scheduled.
• Attends at least 75% of staff meetings; reviews all monthly staff meeting minutes.
• Actively participates in the department's quality improvement (QI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices and the employee handbook.
• Communicates the mission, vision and values of the organization as well as the focus of the department.
• Meets dress code standards for the department; appearance is neat and clean.
• All Ferry County Health employees are required to maintain confidentiality in accordance with organizational policy, state and federal regulations, including not but limited to, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• AA degree from a school or college approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Holds current certificate/licensure as Physical Therapy Assistant in the State of Washington or holds compact license.
• Current BLS certification.

This is a safety sensitive position and subject to RCW 49.44.240(3)(g).

OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, patients, customers, and the general public.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical solutions.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, and/or schedule form.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision paid 100% by Facility

3% Retirement match

Life Flight & Airlift NW Insurance

PTO

EIB

Employee Assistance Program

Local Discounts