POSITION DETAILS

Full-time, benefited; 3640 hrs/wk; schedule will vary, with start times as early as 7:00am and end times as late as 6:30pm; M-F, weekend call rotation of once per quarter.

JOB SUMMARY

 The Physical Therapist Assistant assesses, organizes and conducts medically prescribed physical therapy programs, under the direct supervision of a physical therapist, through the use of a broad range of modalities and treatment techniques to prevent and decrease the disability following disease, injury or loss of a body part, helping the patient reach his/her maximum potential and assume a place in society while coming to live within the limits of his/her capabilities.

MAJOR JOB FUNCTION

1. Delivers prescribed physical therapy treatment following proper policies and procedures and completes relevant related competencies.
2. Conducts therapy practice within defined standards of care consistent with the Physical Therapy Practice Act in treatment areas which include but are not limited to Rehab Services gym, treatment rooms, and aquatic pool.
3. Performs instruction of patient, family, staff, student or intern with consideration to physical/developmental age, ability/readiness to learn, cultural/emotional religious/social barriers.  Uses diagrams and/or handouts as necessary to facilitate the learning process.
4. Delivers age specific care to pediatric and geriatric clientele dependent on their growth, development and mental age/capacity.  Responds appropriately to physically and mentally challenged clientele.
5. Performs pre-work screenings and functional job analysis.
6. Utilizes safety measures at all times when dealing with patients, staff and equipment.
7. Communicates effectively with other professional and support staff in order to achieve positive patient outcomes.  Coordinates care plans and articulates progress regularly to the Physical Therapist
8. Promotes and contributes to a positive, problem-solving environment.
9. Maintains established hospital and departmental policies and guidelines, objectives, quality improvement program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
10. Completes all written communication, including progress reports, in a timely manner.
11. Enhances professional growth and development of self and others through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
12. Maintains a professional attitude and observes proper ethics.
13. Demonstrates proficiency in regards to the computer documentation of patient cares and any other related computerized patient information/documentation.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Completion of prescribed course in accordance with minimum essentials for Physical Therapy Assistant schools as prescribed by the Council on Medical Education and Hospitals of the AHA required.
2. Will obtain licensure per Assembly Bill 615.

 QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

1. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
2. Excellent human relation skills as demonstrated by the ability to interface positively with all customers and employees.
3. Must acquire the knowledge and maintain established competency levels to perform essential physical therapy practice.
4. Must have proficient computer skills with the ability to operate within a Windows environment.
5. Must have the ability to work with frequent interruptions, under stress, with minimal supervision, and to exercise initiative and judgment in analyzing, organizing, planning, prioritizing, scheduling and coordinating work with others.
6. Needs to possess as high level of intelligence, integrity, sense of responsibility and ability to comprehend and analyze details.
7. Ability to operate and handle many kinds of complex equipment.
8. Ability to demonstrate clinical competence and maintain current knowledge in caring for infant through geriatric patients.

 JOB REQUIREMENTS

1. Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, and talk and hear.
2. The Physical Therapist Assistant is frequently required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms.  The Physical Therapist Assistant is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, and smell.
3. The Physical Therapist Assistant must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
4. Good hearing is necessary to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound.
5. Visual acuity is needed to assess color changes, to verify accuracy of written materials and to administer exercise programs.
6. The Physical Therapist Assistant must be able to provide therapeutic services in an aquatic environment on an as-needed basis.