Rehab PTA - Full Time

Physical Therapist Assistant, Outpatient
Schedule: Full Time
The level 1 Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) has the responsibility of assisting Physical Therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures, as directed. They assist in all treatment including therapeutic exercise, massage, electrical stimulation, thermal modalities, traction and ultrasound. They are clinically skilled to perform advanced manual skills including joint mobilization, stretching, and taping to carry out PT specific plan of care. The PTA will document all progress and modify specific treatments appropriate to patient need based on the scope of treatment established by Physical Therapist, helping people with physical and functional deficits reach their maximum potential of independence. The Physical Therapist Assistant practices in collaboration with all other members of the interdisciplinary team, and participates in the department's educational activities and programs. Provides coverage to other areas within the Rehabilitation Department as needed.
Implements individual and group physical therapy services using effective treatment.
Uses creative treatment approaches and explores alternative solutions to individual patient problems.
Recommends and/or issues appropriate assistive devices or durable medical equipment, ensuring that it properly fits the patient.
Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups regularly served.
Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized therapeutic needs of such patient age groups.
Demonstrates good judgment in handling potentially hazardous situations, seeking assistance as necessary.
Documents actual intervention and patient response to treatment as well as progress toward goals.
Discusses patient issues, discharge planning, changes in care plan, and progress toward goals with evaluating physical therapist
Schedules with primary physical therapist for re-evaluation in timely manner and in compliance with department and third party policies/requirements.
Complies with departmental, institutional, and accrediting agency policies and /or standards.

Issues supplies/adaptive equipment in a cost-effective manner. Justifies issuance of equipment, demonstrates actual use by patient, and looks for alternative solutions.
Completes mandatory requirements (including PPD, competencies, and safety/infection control tests, CPR recertification, license renewal) within given time frame.
Stays current with advances in physical therapy treatments and techniques through attendance of professional meetings, continuing education, and reading of current literature.
Shows knowledge of professional federal and state rules and regulations governing the practice of physical therapist assistance.
Directs and supervises the rehabilitation aide consistent with state practice act in a safe and effective manner.
Participates in the development and evaluation of physical therapy programs.

Identifies assigned rotation/floor needs. Contributes to the development and updating of unit files and other pertinent resource material.
Collects data required to complete research projects, clinical outcomes studies, and /or department quality improvement projects in compliance with JCAHO standards.
Contributes to the assessment, planning, and implementation of physical therapy programs in collaboration with supervisor and peers.
Collaborates with colleagues and other professionals to provide high quality patient care.

Serves as clinical resource for other health care professionals on assigned floors.
Works as part of the rehabilitation therapy team, helping and supporting staff members as needed; Accommodates to change by being adaptable and flexible and maintains professional demeanor during periods of stress.
Accepts membership in department and hospital task forces and committees as requested by supervisor.
Provides in-service education of staff for the department and other hospital personnel.
Develops annual goals in consultation with supervisor and meets them with a high quality of performance.
Orients medical professional staff and the community to physical therapy assistants.

~ Orients medical professional staff and the community (volunteers, high school students) to physical therapy assistants

Provides a well-rounded learning experience for affiliating physical therapist assistant students.

Assesses the learning needs of assigned physical therapist assistant students and provides training in patient evaluation and treatment procedures as practiced on assigned units.
Facilitates development of clinical problem solving skills of the affiliating students by asking probing questions.
Schedules weekly meetings with assigned students providing growth-promoting feedback and learning experiences.
Keeps student program coordinator informed of student's performance.
Cooperates with student program coordinator and academic coordinator to develop and implement corrective actions when indicated.
Conducts student performance evaluations, discusses evaluation with students, and submits the completed form to the student program coordinator in a timely fashion.
(Work requires an Associate's Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from an accredited institution

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Required:

~ Work requires a current Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physical Therapist Assistant license or eligibility status. Knowledge of geriatric, pediatric, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.
Work requires interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with patients, families and various members of the health care team.