PT Assistant

Position Summary The role of the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a necessary part of the physical therapy team, helping physical therapists deliver quality care to their patients. PTAs implement selected components of patient/client interventions (treatment), obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort. Key Duties and Responsibilities The key duties and responsibilities of the Physical Therapy Assistant include, but are not limited to: Mastery of all Physical Therapy Aide duties and responsibilities Patient and Clinical Care Activities: Act as an assistant to the Physical Therapist when the Therapist is performing tests, evaluations, and complex procedures. Collect clinical assessment scores, radiographic scores and assessments, and health related quality of life information. Implement patient's individualized treatment plan as established by the primary Physical Therapist. Provide individualized physical therapy treatments including but not limited to: Therapeutic exercise including aerobic capacity conditioning, balance coordination, agility training, body mechanics and postural stabilization, flexibility exercises, gait and locomotion training, neuromotor development training, relaxation, strength, power, and endurance training Functional training Manual therapy Airway clearance techniques Integumentary repair and protection Use of electrotherapeutic, physical agent and mechanical modalities Health and Wellness Falls Risk Interventions Chronic Disease Management Education Organize and facilitate treatment groups in collaboration with the physical therapist. Instruct patients, families and other caregivers in the skills and techniques of the physical therapy treatment program under the supervision of the Physical Therapist. Conduct screenings of patients at regular intervals to determine need for intervention/treatment Assist the Physical Therapist in the evaluation process and with identifying a target list, including short-term goals, long-term goals and treatment plan Train patients in locomotion using orthotics, prosthetics, or assistive devices such as canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. Demonstrate use of gait, belt, and safety awareness, as well as demonstrating proper guarding techniques. Order and instruct patients in the use of prescribed equipment. Work with all other members of the rehabilitation team to implement programs consistent with the needs and capabilities of each patient Contribute to cleaning, maintaining, identifying, and reporting the need for repair of equipment, as necessary. Perform skilled services, upholding the Code of Ethics as stated and maintained by the APTA Consistently use legible, legal and accurate documentation according to American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and WPT standards Maintain appropriate and timely documentation for all patients treated. Participate in staff meetings, forums, committees, and in-service training activities Complete duties and assist others as directed Follow all policies as introduced during new associate On-Boarding, updated real-time and outlined in Associate Handbook Education/Experience An Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university required Certification in CPR required Licensure must be acquired by passing the National Physical Therapy Exam from the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Earn (continuously) continuing education units as required by the state of Washington Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Must meet physical requirements of frequent lifting, bending and squatting Ability to perform well under pressure Superior customer service skills Great interpersonal skills; demonstrating patience, composure and cooperation; working well with all patients, physicians and staff Ensuring that patients and families receive the highest quality of service in a caring and compassionate atmosphere which recognizes the individuals' needs and rights. Understanding of and adherence to all safety, risk management and precautionary procedures, including the consistent respect for confidentiality (HIPAA) Work Environment/Physical Demands The work environment/physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable differently abled persons to perform the essential functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr