Physical Therapy Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) performs treatments and provides exercise instruction and demonstration for patients.

Primarily interacts with: administration, physicians, employees, clinical and non-clinical departments, patients, and visitors.

Primary functions include:

• Assist the Physical Therapist during patient testing, evaluations and complex procedures.
• Carry out a program of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients, as determined by evaluation by a Physical Therapist.
• Instruct patients on segments of the program, including proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, braces, and prosthetic appliances and devices.
• Implement physical therapy treatment according to the written plan of care.
• Apply modalities to patients.
• Prepare treatment areas, patients, and equipment for treatment.
• Monitor patient progress and treatment and advise Physical Therapist of any changes in progress.
• Direct physical therapy technicians.
• Coordinate with other service areas to ensure proper patient care.
• Prepare written documentation as required by the profession and the department.
• Assist in preparation of departmental records.
• Assist in care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
• Conduct or participate in training medical and nursing personnel in physical therapy techniques and objectives.
• Maintain established department policies, procedures, objectives, and quality assurance, safety.
• Provide exemplary customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA.
• Cooperate with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives and maintain good employee relations, inter-departmental objectives and infection control policies.
• Cordially demonstrate timeliness and professionalism in appearance, communications, and actions during all interactions and with all individuals and entities.
• Solve practical problems, dealing with a variety of issues, and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Requirements include:

Ability to use equipment, tools, materials, machines: Computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, scanner, printer, calculator and other standard office equipment.

Education/experience/skills/abilities:

• Associate's degree required
• Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the State of Texas
• BLS Certification
• Two years of experience preferred as a Physical Therapist Assistant but new graduates considered.
• Must be committed to quality and patient safety at all times.
• Excellent command / highly proficient in spoken and written English; bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Basic computer skills, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, electronic medical documentation, and email.
• Must be able to work independently, and flexibly, and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written.
• Must have strong time management skills.
• Must be able to work under pressure while interacting in a helpful, courteous manner with a high degree of patient contact.
• Sufficient hearing, vision and dexterity to perform duties safely.

Physical and mental requirements:

Physical:

• Walking: 75%
• Squatting: 50%
• Standing: 75%
• Pulling: 50%
• Kneeling: 75%
• Reaching: 25%
• Sitting: 25%
• Lifting up to 100lbs: 25%
• Pushing: 50%
• Wrist/Finger Movements: 90%
• Bending: 75%
• Climbing: 20%

Mental:

• Stress Level Moderate

Individual position core competencies:

• Quality
• Service Excellence
• Compassion
• Professionalism
• Fiscal Responsibility

Required education within first 60 days (if employee is from outside organization):

• GrahamRMC Orientation
• Department Orientation

Continuing/Annual Education and Training:

• As needed to maintain certification/licensure of position
• CPR
• Falling Star Program
• Safety Storm Program

ADA requirements:

Each category is grouped under a percentage rating based on the frequency the condition is expected to occur.

Frequency of Condition 1-33% 34-66% 67%+

1-33%

• Extreme Heat
• Extreme Cold
• Extreme Swings in Temperature
• Extreme Noise
• Working Outdoors
• Mechanical Hazards
• Electrical Hazards
• Explosive Hazards
• Fume/Odor Hazards
• Dust/Mite Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
• Toxic Waste Hazards
• Radiation Hazards
• Wet Hazards
• Heights
• Other Conditions: Position requires prolonged, extensive, or considerable standing/walking. Must lift, position, push, and transfer patients. Must lift supplies/equipment. Must lift 50 pounds floor to knuckle level and 25 pounds to shoulder level and overhead.

67%+

• Working Indoors

OSHA Classification:

Identify with a check the OSHA Job Category that describes this job. The intent is to enhance worker protection by identifying any risk in the performance of routine and reasonably anticipated job-related functions.

Category I: Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

All procedures or other job-related tasks involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues or a potential for spills or splashes of them are Category I tasks. Use of appropriate protective measures, such as gloves, masks, goggles, and gown are required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.

Additional information:

The employee will demonstrate continuous commitment to the maintenance of a clean and safe work environment that is compliant with applicable regulatory agency requirements. The employee will follow established infection control procedures.

The employee will ensure the effective and safe use of all equipment used in his/her activities, if applicable.

The competence of the employee in performing his/her job duties is evaluated during orientation to his/her position and will be demonstrated, maintained, and improved on an ongoing basis. The employee will adhere to the assigned schedule and report to work on-time.

The employee shall abide by the requirements set forth in the Code of Conduct and report suspected violations of the Code of Conduct.

The employee will recognize, appreciate and incorporate an employee's, patient's and patient's family's unique differences, such as culture, spiritual beliefs, gender, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, age, and values, into an individualized plan of care or plan of action.

The statements contained in this position description reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

The job description does not constitute a contract of employment and the company or employee may exercise its employment-at-will rights at any time.