Physical Therapy Assistant Outpatient

Under general supervision of a physical therapist, assists patients in reaching maximum physical potential, in accordance with the Maryland Physical Therapy Practice Act, treats patients using appropriate therapeutic interventions and participates in team and interdisciplinary meetings.

Education

•  AA degree from an accredited PT Assistant program.

Experience

• None required

Skills

• Knowledge of Physical therapy theories, practices, and standards
• Skill in using written and oral communications
• Skill in following treatment plans, monitoring patient progress, and alerting the supervising physical therapist to status changes 
• Ability to demonstrate excellent customer service skills
• Ability to prioritize and schedule patients utilizing time efficiently
• Skill in organization
• Ability to utilize standardized tests to support documentation
• Ability to manage an average caseload per productivity standards set
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn EMR navigation

Licensures, Certifications

• Current Maryland license as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
• Healthcare Provider (CPR Certification).

Physical Requirements

• Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail for up to seventy-five percent (75%) of work time when administering treatments, observing patients and maintaining records or dealing with staff. Ability to stand and walk > 60% or the time. Ability to lift ≥ 30 lbs.

Working Conditions

• Normal patient care environment with little exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperatures, and the like.
• Ability to perform work while using personal protective equipment (PPE).

Conditions of Employment

• Current Maryland license as a Physical Therapist Assistant
• Healthcare Provider (CPR certification)

 Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Patient care Treatment

Treatment

• Provides objective information for the physical therapist in the accordance with the physical therapy plan of care and goals

• Implements treatment in accordance with the plan of care & goals established by the PT Evaluation and documents treatment program and goal progress. Consults with the Physical Therapist when changes to plan of care or goals are required
• Implements appropriate therapeutic interventions, progressing treatment plan and teaching patients/caregivers activities to reinforce therapeutic interventions, providing/fitting appropriate assistive devices and recognizing patient distress signals, which need follow-up
• Documents treatment plans and progress; records data required for statistics, productivity, billing, performance improvement program, etc. as appropriate
• Utilizes the assistance of rehab techs and volunteers for housekeeping, transportation and physical assistance, does not utilize the rehab tech in a context that could be interpreted as providing supervision
• Maintains current knowledge of therapy practice through continuing education
• Consistently provides both written and verbal patient education

Clinical Collaboration

• Informs Physical Therapist, MD, RN and Discharge Planner of patient’s status and progress towards goals through documentation or direct communication, documents communications with Physical Therapist regarding changes in patient status, treatment plan, or discharge plan,  communicates equipment needs and any changes/updates to original D/C plan to the discharge planner and RN
• Communicates with patient/caregiver to allay anxieties, seek input and elicit cooperation, trains and educates caregivers to assist patients with exercise program, maintain precautions and demonstrate safe functional mobility
• Participates in discharge planning with the interdisciplinary team, recommending appropriate assistance and continuation of the rehabilitation process as needed

Departmental Initiatives

• Receptive to change in promoting & complying with departmental initiatives.

Team Work

• Demonstrates flexibility with schedule to accommodate follow-up treatments
• Identifies and communicates issues related to the working environment to PT/PTA Mentor/ Program Manager
• Utilizes chain of command effectively to promote cohesion and teamwork

Professional Growth and Development

• Independently recognizes own clinical imitations and seeks advice/education
• Actively seeks advice and incorporates feedback from PT mentor/ Program Manager
• Utilizes evidence base research for clinical practice and documentation

Performance Improvement

• Adheres to performance Improvement/ LDM requirements per department plan

Leadership Collaboration

• Works with PT/PTA Mentor/ Program Manager to resolve unit issues/ problems, developing resolutions and following up with both departmental staff and unit

Fiscal Accountability

• Demonstrates proficiency in proper billing and coding
• Utilizes time management skills to increase productivity, meets productivity standards set
• Actively seeks advice and demonstrates incorporation of feedback for performance improvement

All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values

GBMC Values

Value Description

Respect

I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.

• Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
• Listens and responds appropriately to others’ needs, feelings, and capabilities

Excellence

I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

• Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations
• Actively pursues learning and self-development
• Pays attention to detail; follows through

Accountability

I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.

• Sets a positive, professional example for others
• Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them
• Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties
• Reports to work regularly and on time

Teamwork

I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.

• Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team
• Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way
• Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions
• Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others

Ethical Behavior

I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.

• Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment
• Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/coworkers

Results

I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.

• Embraces change and improvement in the work environment
• Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services
• Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles
• Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently

Pay Range

$24.84 - $40.72

Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

GBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.