Physical Therapist Assistant

Pay Range:

Pay Range:$29.82 - $41.60

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$25,000 Sign On and $10K Relocation for qualified hire!
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This position is based in the Hospital Rehabilitation Services Department with a primary focus on providing Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) treatments. Physical therapy is a core service provided by this healthcare organization. Performs in a professional manner, respects confidentiality, and demonstrates qualities endorsed by following the Seven Standards for Service Excellence outlined in the SEARHC Human Resources Manual. Services are to be provided in compliance with hospital standards, licensure requirements, regulatory and practice standards of Physical Therapy and the national professional guidelines established by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). To maintain a high standard of integrity in the profession and to safeguard the health and welfare of the public, physical therapy assistants shall adhere to the ethical standards set out in the Alaska Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Principles of Practice, dated March 2015.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. 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.

PTAs assist the physical therapist in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

The physical therapist is responsible for the services provided by the PTA. Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who examine each individual and develop a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

The PTA cannot attempt to practice physical therapy that has not been initiated, supervised, and terminated by a licensed physical therapist.

A PTA’s responsibilities do not include testing or evaluation.

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health insurance, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

• Provides therapy treatments from physical therapist plan of care plan with focus on PT goals and implements treatment of PTA services to patients.  Review clinical records and case histories.  May attend care conferences, regular meetings/rounds and remains in contact with referring providers, nurses, and other rehabilitation professionals to review patient’s status and individual needs with-in the health care team concept.  Collaborates with other team members to assure appropriate medical equipment is arranged and care plan is established prior to discharge.  Document patient encounter findings and treatments including diagnoses, treatment plan, recommendations, and prognoses in appropriate format according to hospital policies.  Provides services in a timely manner after receipt of referral.  Both In-patient and out-patient populations in various settings as assigned.  Direct the work of support staff, students or interns.  Facilitates a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients, and their families.  Develop, implement and conduct patient education and therapy programs based on patient and/or family needs. Provides patients and families home exercise programs to achieve the fullest rehabilitative potential. Advises patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and independence, facilitating movement towards a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients, and their families.  Home programs are clear and concise, and the provider ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback and demonstration of programs by patient or caregivers.  Programs are taught demonstrating sensitivity to cross cultural issues.

• Assist other staff in administrative matters, clinic operations, and specialty/research areas as appropriate. Utilize the hospital computer system to obtain patient information, as well as keep abreast of hospital directives, and in general participate in the timely and efficient flow of information.  Provides summary of results, statistics and metrics as required by management.  Assists acquisition and fit of durable medical equipment/devices based on needs of patient. Maintain supply stocks and clinical equipment at acceptable levels.  Remain current in specific billing procedures/mechanisms (Medicare, Medicaid, and third-party payers) to aid in reimbursement of services, dispensable supplies, including plan of care concurrence with referring providers.  Maintain cleanliness of clinical space.

• Therapy services may be performed outside of Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital in conjunction with other SEARHC Community Health Services programs and the community at large and may take place in locations including Mt. Edgecumbe High School Student Health Clinic, SEARHC Clinics, community senior centers, Pioneer Home, health/job fairs, patients’ home and/or workplace, as well as other collaborative efforts between MEH-Rehab Department and the community.   This may include participation with project or health promotion teams.  Video conferencing may be used for patient encounters, training, and administrative duties with off site locations.  Home assessments for evaluation of patient’s living arrangements, use of durable medical equipment and implementation of therapy plan in the home living environment.  Occasional multi-day travel  to remote locations by boat or small plane which may be in inclimate or harsh weather.

• Educates staff on PT issues and educates patient/family with therapeutic exercises, activities, and equipment. Assists in committee and management duties within and representing the Rehabilitation Services Department as requested.   Provide therapy consultation, presentations, and in-service to medical staff, consultants, and other interdisciplinary health care personnel and patient populations  regarding therapy services as assigned.  This may include participation with project or health promotion teams.  To keep current with knowledge of therapy procedures/techniques and improve clinical service staff will participate as a learner or teacher in clinical education, in-service, etc.  Continuing educational funds will be allocated for the benefit of the department.  Adheres to the regulatory and practice standards of PTA set by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).   Follows all SEARHC confidentiality and quality assurance standards; participates in SEARHC SQM functions, utilizes SQM principles in all aspects of the job. Demonstrates sensitivity to cross cultural issues.

• Performs other duties or activities as assigned.

Lead Exercised

• A lead person assigns and checks work, trains, and schedules subordinates daily, and performs the same or more difficult duties performed by the subordinates. A lead person is not a supervisor. In contrast, a supervisor has the responsibility and authority to hire, train, evaluate and discipline subordinates.

  • Physical Therapy Aide

  • Administrative Assistant

Other Comments

• This job can involve working in a small space, at a demanding pace, with a variety of people and sometimes difficult personalities and situations; good judgement, tact and personal skills are necessary for positive working relationships between patients and co-workers.    This job involves potential risks that the Therapist must work to avoid to the extent possible.  Exposure to infectious organisms is possible; use of precautions and appropriate protective equipment is necessary.

• Latex may be present in the workplace.

• The job may require repetitive or heavy lifting, greater than 50 pounds, with physically demanding movements and positions; practice of good body mechanics and good judgement is necessary.  Services may be provided in a variety of settings including in-patient, out-patient, off-site locations, community events, home visits and remote locations.  There may be occasional travel to remote areas by boat or plane for multiple days, possibly in harsh weather.

• This job is a covered position in accordance with the Indian Child Protection Act.

Supervision of Physical Therapy Assistants

• A physical therapy assistant shall work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.

• A licensed physical therapist is responsible for and shall participate in the patient’s care.

• A physical therapist may supervise a maximum of three physical therapy assistants.

• A licensed physical therapy assistant shall have in possession written treatment plans formulated by the licensed physical therapist for each patient under the care of the physical therapy assistant. Treatment plans must be revised following periodic evaluations by the licensed physical therapist.

• The supervising physical therapist shall give the physical therapy assistant periodic supervision on site at least once every month. The physical therapist shall be available for consultation with the physical therapy assistant that may be provided by telephone, verbally, or in writing.

• Public health service or military personnel can engage in the practice of physical therapy in programs administered by federal agencies.

• If the licensed physical therapist agrees to supervise a physical therapy assistant, the supervising physical therapist shall

  • Determine the frequency and manner of consultations with the physical therapy assistant, taking into consideration the treatment settings being used, patient rehabilitation status, and the competency of the physical therapy assistant.

  • Fully document the supervision provided, including a record of all consultations provided, and maintain those records at the physical therapy assistant’s place of employment.

  • Countersign the patient treatment record each time the supervising physical therapist is physically present and directly supervises the treatment of a patient by the physical therapy assistant being supervised.

Education, Certifications, and Licenses Required

• Entry-level qualifying Physical Therapy Assistant associate degree from a CAPTE accredited program.

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

• Current Basic Life Support CPR certification.

• Valid Driver’s license.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Clinical Competency required within 3 months of hire and subsequently every three years

• High Risk Competency required within 3 months of hire and subsequently every three years

Experience Required

• Acute care hospital and clinical out-patient experience preferred.

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of anatomy, musculoskeletal physiology including active/passive range of motion, gait, strength, biomechanics, and mental cognition to ensure effective adherence to physical therapist treatment plan of care.

• Knowledge in various treatment planning, and treatments for patients presenting various diagnosis with functional deficits among the general population.

• Knowledge of various regulations and practice standards as they relate to physical therapy including billing mechanisms (Medicaid, Medicare, and third-party payers) that may be available for patient equipment and services.

Skills in

• Skill to utilize, properly fit and train patients with adaptive devices.  Including but not limited to splints, braces, orthosis, seating equipment, durable medical equipment, and ADL assistive device.

• Skills in expressing self clearly and effectively in written and spoken communication, such as in both daily documentation of written reports, client progress notes, narrative summaries, as well as in training clinical and non-clinical staff; consulting with upper management, outside agencies, organizations, and subordinates; networking with other providers in the community; and proficient in public speaking.

• Skills utilizing information technology.  Proficiency with computers including multiple software applications, interface with multiple programs.  Uses of new technologies such as laptops, tablets, and imaging devices.

Ability to

• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, teachers, community members and non-PT service professionals, persons of any level of understanding; including the ability to translate complex PT service diagnoses, evaluations, and therapies into simple oral and written language that others can understand.

• Must have the physical ability to deliver treatment techniques and assist patient mobility while keeping patients and self-safe, allowing the therapist to work effectively with patients and their families for proven therapeutic progress.

• Must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in all aspects of employment such as patient care, workplace safety and employee relations.

Required Certifications:

Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association, Clinical Competency Assessment - SEARHC, High Risk Competency - SEARHC, Physical Therapist Assistant - Alaska State Board of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!