Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Description

Currently recruiting a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to work at Malcom Grow Medical Center, Joint Base Andrews, MD. The Physical Therapy Assistant provides care for our nations active duty service members, their families, and retirees. The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a full-time position, 80 hours per two weeks., Full benefits, including 17 days paid vacation/sick leave and 10 paid Federal holidays.

DUTIES OF THE PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (PTA):

• Knowledge of anatomy, general physiology, gait analysis, biomechanics, general understanding of neuromusculoskeletal pathology, and the principles and techniques of physical rehabilitation.
• Knowledge of the application of a body of standardized physical therapy modalities, including therapeutic exercise, to patients with varying degrees of physical disability and knowledge of equipment, materials, and supplies used in a large variety of treatment procedures that support specialized physical therapy and rehabilitation treatments.
• Knowledge of health delivery and support services in order to work as an integral member of patient care teams.
• Ability to independently assess and evaluate the indications and contra-indications for treatment, assuming responsibility for initiating patient care treatment programs, evaluating and communicating the reactions and result of treatment to therapist, and modifying such treatments as appropriate.
• Knowledge of evidence-based therapy practice and the skills to prepare case studies and summarize results. Knowledge of data collection and ongoing therapy assessment techniques to perform specified aspects of patient evaluation and interventions.
• Ability to communicate both orally, graphically, and in writing as required by the particular situation using both automated medical records and/or healthcare management databases and ability to provide complex/multi-step instructions to patients, caregivers, and other healthcare professionals, adapting instructions to meet the needs of the individual.
• Serves as Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) for a designated work area within the medical treatment facility (MTF). Performs a wide range of complex PTA duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection to perform specific aspects of evaluations and interventions. The PTA works under the general supervision of the Physical Therapist (PT). The incumbent independently performs day-to-day duties with the supervisor providing general guidelines regarding the nature of therapeutic activities and the program in general. Under the direction of the PT, plans, coordinates, and administers diverse physical therapy programs for wounded, ill and injured service members, as well as other beneficiaries, with a wide range of physical and behavioral health diagnoses and disabilities. Consults with attending PT to ensure appropriate length of care. Makes recommendations and utilizes the various modalities of physical therapy, as prescribed, to include blood flow restriction, use of cold/heat therapy, diathermy, hydrotherapy, soft tissue mobilization, manual therapy, electrotherapy, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise. Provides updated status in patient progress reports, as well as other administrative reports. Performs other duties as assigned.
• Initiates, implements, plans, and recommends progressive treatment plan with consideration of patient s neurological, surgical, sensory, respiratory, cardiac status, gait ability, posture, age and general health, under the direction and supervision of the PT. The treatment plan is designed to restore and maintain maximum range of motion, strength, endurance, coordination, and relaxation in accordance with PT evaluation and treatment plan. Ensures treatment plan is designed to maximize results in promotion of healing and pain relief while ultimately improving the patient s functional independence. Instructs and reviews all home program precautions and contraindications with patients and family members on use and application of physical modalities for home environment. Provides instruction to patients, family members and/or other health workers to perform selected treatment procedures and functional training activities. In the clinic environment, exercises responsibility for the comfort and well-being of patients. In addition to following and executing the treatment plan and objectives, judges whether the treatment is causing an adverse effect on other conditions not currently under treatment. Tracks impact of the procedure s effects on patients, long-and short-term effects of different types of therapy, and appropriateness of a specific therapy, noting overall trends in efficacy, reporting problems to supervisor. Assists physical therapists in monitoring patient progression by measuring range-of-motion, strength, girth of body parts, vital signs, patient perception of pain, and functional status to determine the effects of specific treatments. Reads and executes post-operative protocols per therapist direction and communicate any abnormalities. Shares technical expertise with other therapy assistants, physical therapy students and other interdisciplinary team members. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient s rehabilitation and reintegration needs. Participates in instructional programs, as directed by the PT, to include teaching other personnel in sound, proper methods of physical therapy treatment. Assists in planning and coordinating in-service training for professional and non-professional personnel. Documents information related to all patient s care in accordance with guidelines from the American Physical Therapy Association, The Joint Commission, current military protocols and as directed by the supervisor. Completes required data collection for workload management, analysis, research studies and prepares statistical reports as required. Participates in peer reviews (quality assurance). Assists in maintenance of supply levels and determination of supply needs. Attends pertinent meetings as requested by the supervisory therapist and/or clinic director. Coordinates and prioritizes own time in relation to overlapping demands of administrative duties and patient treatment. Instructs students and designs specific training programs for physical therapy assistant interns as required.
• Assists administrative and clerical duties related to patient care interventions and services provided. Works with clinical and administrative support staff, both above and below the chain of command, in order to accomplish duties. Completes patient documentation in accordance with American Physical Therapy documentation standards, coding guidelines, unit and hospital operating instructions in a timely and thorough manner. Records range-of-motion, strength, girth of body parts, vital signs, patient perception of pain, and functional status as required to track patient progress on established rehabilitation goals. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment and supplies to prevent malfunctions between patients and at the end of the day. Takes inventory, orders supplies, answers telephone, takes messages, fills out forms, schedules patients and staffs the reception area. Attends required unit and Medical Group meetings and training pertaining to clinical competence skills and self/patient health, safety, security practices. Maintains treatment areas, administrative area, and personal spaces in a safe, orderly manner. Actively assists the supervisor and clinic personnel in making decisions relative to administrative responsibilities in the clinic.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (PTA):

• Degree/Education: Minimum of an associate s degree from an academic institution accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is required. A bachelor s degree in a health-related field is preferred.
• Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Licensure/Registration: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a physical therapy assistant or possess current certification as a physical therapy assistant as determined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Employee must maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification IAW AF guidance.
• Board Certification: None
• Experience: One year of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant after graduation. Specialty certifications such as Athletic Trainer, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) are desired.
• U.S. Citizen (required for access to Government computer systems)

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (PTA):

• Competitive pay
• 10 days paid time off per year plus 7 sick days per year
• 11 paid Federal holidays
• Health & Welfare allowance covers the cost of health insurance, long and short-term disability, and life insurance
• Dental and vision plans offered, 401(k)

ABOUT THE ARORA GROUP :

The Arora Group is an award-winning, Joint Commission-certified nationwide healthcare services company that, for almost 30 years, has provided medical care for the men and women who serve our country in the U.S. Armed Forces. Our mission is to provide world-class care and give our healthcare professionals opportunities to improve their skills, learn from the best, and serve the needs of active duty service members, their families, and veterans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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