LICENSED PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT - PHYSICAL THERAPY, FT

Physical Therapy Assistant

Must possess the ability to perform the following:

1. Adhere to the plan of treatment established by the Physical Therapist.
2. Motivate patients to participate in therapy treatment.
3. Adhere to clinical policies and procedures in the overall delivery of patient care via standards of practice.
4. Fully document encounters in the chart utilizing only standard abbreviations and correct grammar.
5. Effective intra-agency communication and with/through supervisor and staff.
6. Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to assist as needed in providing patient care coverage.
7. Organize area and schedule to ensure the maximum time is utilized to provide direct patient care and accomplish job responsibilities while simultaneously meeting all regulatory and agency specific time frames for documentation and best practices.
8. Follow facility and agency employee and patient safety policies.
9. Willingness to work beyond normal working hours when necessary to effectively and efficiently perform duties, demonstrating commitment to organization and community.

Qualifications:

1. Must have completed a formal education program of Physical Therapy Assistant.
2. Must hold and maintain a current and valid license by the State of Alabama Board of Physical Therapy as a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.
3. Maintain CME/CEU education per license requirements and submit to agency annually within time constraints for certification, participate in all facility CEU programs.
4. Must be capable of performing the job duties of this position.
5. Must be able to relate positively and professionally to patients, families and outside agencies and work cooperatively with co-workers.

Physical Requirements:

1. Perform all physical requirements of a full workday.
2. Cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position and set the proper example of such.
3. Must be in good general health and capable of maintaining regular attendance.
4. Must possess sight/hearing senses or use prosthetics allowing all requirements of position be met effectively with support personnel and agencies.
5. Must be capable of performing the Essential Job Functions of this position with or without accommodation and be able to pass employment exams if indicated.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Contributes to Physical Therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary, recommending options and courses of action; implementing Physical Therapy directives.
2. Assess patient health by interviewing patients, notes diagnoses of patient and takes all precautions observing indications and contraindications.
3. Assess abnormal conditions by reviewing Physical Therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results.
4. Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
5. Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instruction, encouraging and assisting patients in performing physical and daily living activities; and in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes and prostheses; applies agents such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot packs, cold packs, ice massage as directed.
6. Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens, answering all questions.
7. Checks frequently on patients during treatment period to satisfy patient needs.
8. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules and regulations; adhering to infection control policies and protocols, returning all equipment and supplies to proper storage area.
9. Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations, anticipating emerging issues.
10. Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
11. Enhances Physical Therapy and hospital reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests, exploring opportunities.
12. Maintains and orders supplies.
13. Be available to cover out-patient Physical Therapy at the discretion of the HHA Director and to perform LPTA treatments as ordered, which may include treatments on an out-patient basis or in-patient basis located in Whitfield Regional Hospital.