Physical Therapy Assistant

Job TitlePhysical Therapy Assistant DutiesFunctions Or Scope Of Assigned DutiesThe PTA independently accesses, reviews, and prioritizes the day's caseload. The PTA completes necessary planning to ensure all direct and indirect patient care needs are met.The PTA independently performs an in-depth chart review and determines appropriateness of care provision based on medical status, pain, mobility, and other physical and psycho social factors. The PTA independently completes tasks related to need to hold, reschedule, or rearrange care and discusses changes to the care plan with the PT.The PTA independently implements the treatment plan, using knowledge of patient individual disability and needs to provide a broad range of varied interventions based on the established care plan.The PTA independently utilizes basic and advanced interventions for complex and non-complex patients, including but not limited to therapeutic exercise, balance, body mechanics, therapeutic neuroscience education, manual therapy, flexibility, strength, gait training, neuromotor development, physical agents, functional training.The PTA independently and continually reassesses and administers clinical outcome measures to monitor progress.The PTA independently applies broad practical, clinical, and interventional knowledge and skills to modify techniques and advance the program within the established plan of care to reach pre-determined patient goals.The PTA collaborates with PTs and other staff to discuss patient status and progress, and provides recommendations to modify the treatment plan, including discharge.The PTA receives clinical guidance from the PT for the most complex patient cases or treatmentsThe PTA discontinues or reduces the intensity of the intervention in the event of a non-urgent adverse response, including but not limited to excessive fatigue and abnormal increase in pain. Modifies treatment independently based on patients' tolerance.The PTA independently motivates patients toward completion of interventions and greater independence.Treats patients with various diagnoses with low and highest complexity presentations, including but not limited to COPD, amputation, CVA, Parkinson's disease, MS, brain injury, pneumonia, fractures, joint replacements, cardiac disease, CHF, dementia, cancer, falls, visual impairment, wounds, pain, hearing impairment, and behavior health diagnoses.Independently educates patients with complex learning barriers to learning in home programs and independent exercise programs. Performs this duty by using simple and advanced educational methods including demonstration, verbal and written instructions, and reverse demonstration. Independently assesses the response to and effectiveness of education and changes educational methods to achieve maximum effect as directed.Complies with Standard Precautions and Infection Control principles in daily work. Performs this duty by knowing and following each patient's infectious status and taking appropriate precautions.May assume responsibility for clinic maintenance. Performs this duty by restocking linens; restocking supplies; cleaning treatment areas between each patient's use; keeping maintenance checklists up to date; ensuring that equipment is clean and ready for use; and other duties related to clinic maintenance.May monitor clinic supplies as needed to ensure adherence to local policy. Performs this duty by routinely checking for expired products; ensuring that flammable products are kept in the fire cabinet; and, ensuring that all hazardous items are included on the MSDS. Maintains the MSDS as directed by supervisor.Performs annual equipment inventory as directed. Performs this duty by performing bar code scanning per Logistics policy, editing the hardcopy EIL as necessary, and notifying the supervisor of missing items.Performs clerical and scheduling duties as assigned.Remains current of departmental happenings. Performs this duty by regularly checking e-mail and attending department meetings and in-services.Furthers professional growth and development. Performs this duty by completing all mandatory training and competencies.Independently collects and reports functional outcomes as directed. Performs this duty by administering the appropriate functional scale at admission, d/c, and necessary intervals. Documents the score obtained from the functional scale in necessary documentation. Submits the score for entry into the databaseProvides clinical direction for PTA students.Work Schedule: M-F 0730-1600Telework: Not AvailableVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 0000Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized