Physical Therapist Assistant

POSITION DESCRIPTION

To provide direct patient care and support activities which build and maintain the outstanding outcomes of the therapy department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Provides patient care under the direction of a physical therapist. Completes documentation according to established procedures. Is involved in support duties as assigned. Contributes to professional development of self and others. Enhances interdisciplinary team through professional skills and knowledge. Demonstrates safe working practices.

Provides patient treatment which meets patient needs in accordance with the plan of care, and uses current treatment knowledge in accordance with facility clinical procedures.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Provides comprehensive, appropriate patient treatment in accordance with patient’s individual treatment plan as stipulated by supervising Physical Therapist.
• Providing clear instruction to patients and families.
• Communicating with supervisor and other health team members regarding patient progress, problems, and treatment plans.
• Instructing patients’ families or nursing staff in specified follow through programs.
• Demonstrating knowledge of appropriate resources for problem-solving and clinical best practice.

Writes accurate, complete, and clear documentation in accordance with regulatory, licensing, payor, and accrediting agencies.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Recording treatment charges accurately and insuring that documentation is consistent with billing data.
• Writing clear and effective daily notes and progress notes.

Assists with maintenance of patient charges and administrative support.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Completing charges accurately on Productivity and Activities Log daily.
• Assisting therapists with scheduling and appointments for patient services.

Consistently demonstrates facility’s interdisciplinary approach to patient care.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Actively participating in patient care conferences.
• Collaborating with and informing facility staff in areas of patient progress.
• Educating members of the team in areas of expertise.
• Working with facility to teach documentation practices, which assist the therapy team.
• Communicating effectively with discharge planners.
• Integrating input from patient and family into treatment sessions.

Contributes to professional development of self and others.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Utilizing continuing education assistance to achieve targeted quality improvements.
• Interacting with peers at local acute hospitals and other environments, if appropriate.
• Presenting at weekly rehab team conferences and facility in-services.
• Maintaining current body of knowledge in areas of clinical expertise through seminars, professional journals, and peers.
• Meeting continuing education requirements of regulatory agencies.

Aids in building and maintaining a positive facility culture as a professional member of the staff.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Consistently demonstrating positive core values in interactions with co-workers, patients and families, with all other persons involved with the patient’s care, and the general public.
• Consistently demonstrating professional standards.
• Contributing to a positive work team by sharing information, using problem‑solving methods and accepting new ideas, constructive criticism, or advice from others.
• Demonstrating superior customer service through courtesy, consistent follow-up and positive communication.

Demonstrates safe working practices.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Identifying and correcting safety hazards or notifying the facility or the Director of Rehab so that safety hazard will be immediately remedied.
• Maintaining work areas in safe and orderly fashion.
• Maintaining equipment in safe working order.
• Using proper body mechanics during treatments of patients and during support activities.
• Using universal safety precautions.
• Wearing appropriate safety equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of Physical Therapy treatment techniques.
• Understanding the principles of physical modalities employed in Physical Therapy.
• Knowledge of use of prosthetic devices, ambulatory aids, assistive and resistive devices, and training.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to work with all types and levels of patients.
• Must have good written and verbal communication skills.

Education

Associate of Science Degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program.

Experience

• Experience in geriatric rehabilitation preferred.
• Experience in adult neurological, cardiac, and/or general rehabilitation is preferred.

Physical Requirements

For Direct Patient Care

• Must be able to lift and transfer patient to and from all surfaces a minimum of 10 times per day.
• Must be able to lift approximately 50-70 pounds a minimum of 10 times per day.
• Must be proficient with the use of hands for repetitive grasping and fine motor manipulations.
• Must be able to perform CPR, if required.
• Physical Therapy Assistant will spend approximately 60-80% of time bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching while working with physical therapy patients.
• Physical Therapy Assistant will spend approximately 60-80% of time walking/standing.

For Support Activities

Physical Therapy Assistant may spend approximately 10-20% of time sitting at desk or terminal entering data.

License/Certification/Registration

• Current Physical Therapist Assistant Registration/State Licensure as required
• Current CPR certification