Physical Therapy Aide

Physical Therapy Aide

The Physical Therapy Aide supports the physical therapists by preparing the treatment area, patients, equipment and materials and performing procedures under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. The incumbent is expected to work in accordance with the mission, purpose, and values of the Colusa Indian Community Council.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs medical interpretation/translation for patients and their families completing Physical Therapy Treatment;
• Translates correspondence, medical histories, medical consent forms, medical procedures and instructions, legal documents, manuals, brochures and other pertinent documents as necessary;
• Prepares treatment room for patient by following prescribed procedures and protocols.
• Prepares patients for physical therapy treatment by welcoming, comforting, providing and/or assisting patients into physical therapy apparel or apertures.
• Provides information to patients by answering questions and requests.
• Helps treat patients by applying heat packs; paraffin dips; helping patients onto exercise equipment, monitoring motion; tracking walking time and distance; measuring mobility; performing prescribed exercises and strengthening techniques.
• Educates patients by demonstrating proper use of equipment and exercise routines.
• Provides equipment and supplies by sterilizing and delivering equipment and supplies to treatment area; positioning equipment for therapist access; positioning patient on equipment.
• Enhances physical therapy department and organization reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests; exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.
• Maintains personal appearance, workstation and waiting area in compliance with clinical confidentiality and patient service protocols.
• Answers telephones courteously, make appointments and take messages according to protocols.
• Greets patients and visitors warmly at the front desk and provide both registration and exit support services.
• Documents insurance eligibility and inform patients of the estimated services cost and their treatment plan payment requirements.
• Prepares clinical records for patients' visit with the provider.
• Assists clinical staff in maintenance and filing of completed patient records.
• Maintains office physical therapy supply orders.
• Collaborates with all coworkers in performing duties required to provide patient-focused services that meet all regulatory and licensing standards.
• Maintains high confidentiality standards at all times. Is required to sign a confidentiality statement upon acceptance of employment.
• Physical Therapy Aide will be required to assist and fill in for the Receptionist when needed.
• May perform other duties commensurate with the functions and level of the position.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred.
• Must be familiar with Microsoft Office.
• Medical terminology knowledge required.
• Experience with Aquatic Therapy.
• Should be familiar with and flexible in performing all office support functions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: A High School graduate or GED.
• Experience: One (1) year or more of experience working in a Physical Therapy setting.
• Knowledge with ICD-10 / CPT codes.
• Licensing: Maintains current CPR certification.

Key Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional customer service skills.
• Is tactful, poised, pleasant and diplomatic, exhibiting a positive, professional demeanor to peers, patients, physicians and visitors. Promotes team image and possesses a high degree of flexibility.
• Demonstrates cooperation and consideration of other health team members and peers.
• Must be organized, flexible and versatile with the ability to function effectively in stressful situations.
• Must be eager and enthusiastic in promoting the general philosophy of the facility.
• Dedicated hard worker with the ability to report to work on a daily basis.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to:

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time at a computer and/or telephone.
• Must be able to work in a busy environment and to lift a minimum of fifty (50) pounds upon occasion to assist with patient care.
• Must be able to swim to assist with aquatic therapy.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work is performed in an office setting which is well-lit, ventilated, and temperature controlled. The noise level is usually low to moderate.