Physical Therapy Assistant

Acute Care - Part Time - Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Summary

Under the direction/supervision of a Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant administers rehabilitative/habilitative techniques necessitated as a result of age, trauma, degenerative disease, congenital condition or sudden onset of pathology which requires development, maintenance, or restoration of function. 

Essential Functions

• Planning
  • Assists the Physical Therapist in evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment plan and makes appropriate changes to achieve desired clinical outcomes.
  • Identifies and prioritizes functional limitations.
  • Identifies realistic long-term and short-term goals described in functional or behavioral terms appropriate to the individual’s needs, personal goals and expected outcomes.
  • Determines treatment techniques and activities needed to achieve goals.
  • Outlines the proposed intervention including frequency and duration.
  • Achieves an interdisciplinary team approach by consulting with team members, including patient/family, regarding treatment plan and delivery model.
  • Assists with discharge planning and recommendations for additional services to meet the needs of the patient.
• Treatment
  • Utilizes appropriate treatment methods based on functional needs of patient.
  • Provided under the ongoing direct care of or under the direction/supervision of a physical therapist.
  • Focuses on posture, balance, locomotion, strength, endurance, coordination, joint mobility, flexibility, pain and functional abilities in daily skills.
  • Adheres to appropriate and safe application of modalities, therapeutic exercises and activities.
  • Is altered in accordance with changes in response or status.
  • Is provided at a level that is consistent with current physical therapy practice.
  • Is interdisciplinary when necessary to meet the needs of the patient.
  • Discontinued when goals/outcomes achieved, no longer a benefit from physical therapy, patient declines to continue intervention.
• Education
  • Utilizes appropriate education and training to provide knowledge of illness and treatment needs as well as skills and behaviors that promote recovery and improve function.
  • Is appropriate to the individual’s age/developmental level, gender, education, culture and socioeconomic status.
  • Is presented in ways understandable to patient/family.
  • Allows for demonstrated understanding of the information issued.
  • Utilizes various methods to achieve desired educational outcome.
• Documentation
  • Completes appropriate documentation and communication of all aspects of patient care including results of initial evaluation, plan of care, interventions, response to interventions, changes in status, reassessments, education and discharge.
  • Completes within designated time frames.
  • Includes all relevant information as outlined by organizational/division policy, accrediting agencies, regulatory agencies and state practice act.
  • Ensures clear, concise and relevant documentation for the type of care/treatment being provided.
  • Dated and appropriately authenticated by the therapist.
  • Adheres to all laws and regulations regarding patient confidentiality and disclosure of protected health information.
• Professionalism
  • Utilizes sound professional judgment based on knowledge, skill, education, training and experience.
  • Abides by state practice act and guide for professional conduct.
  • Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with patients/families, co-workers, other health care professionals and the community.
  • Takes responsibility for own actions.
  • Utilizes effective communication techniques.
  • Applies effective problem-solving techniques.
  • Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Physical Therapy required
• 0-1 years in a PT Assistant Role preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of human growth and development; anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and kinesiology; current methods, techniques and purposes of physical therapy; the care and operation of physical therapy equipment.
• Requires strong analytical and organizational skills in order to review physician’s orders, assess functional status, develop treatment plans, evaluate progress and maintain related documentation.
• Demonstrates a high level of interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, in order to establish and maintain positive and effective therapeutic/working relationships with patients, families, physicians and hospital staff.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of the English language, verbal and written.

Licenses and Certifications

• PTA - Physical Therapist Assistant required