Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant provides components of physical therapy procedures and related task, under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. The position also records the patient's responses to treatment and reports to the physical therapist the outcome of each treatment. This position must integrate company values into daily practice.

Essential Functions:

• Assists Physical Therapist in determining patient abilities and/or limitations in establishing treatment goals and in planning appropriate physical therapy treatment.
• Under the direction of the Physical Therapist, completes documentation of patient status/progress for assigned patients. Reports observation of patient performance to Physical Therapist.
• Provides age-related and culturally sensitive delivery of patient care services.
• Collaborates with the patient, team members, and area staff during the rehabilitation process to ensure quality care. Coordinates with interdisciplinary team on patient needs, treatment modifications, and progress.
• Assists in safe and efficient management and maintenance of the therapy program areas, equipment and supplies. Complies with quality control, safety, infection and emergency procedures consistent with hospital policy.
• May be required to work during inclement weather and other staffing emergencies.
• Provides an environment conducive to safety for patients, visitors, and staff. Assesses the risks for safety and implements appropriate precautions. Complies with appropriate and approved safety and Infection Prevention standards.
• Maintains regular attendance in keeping with assigned work schedule.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support overall effectiveness of the organization.

Minimum Job Requirements 

Minimum Education & Experience: 

• One year of direct patient care experience in rehabilitation hospital setting preferred.

Required Licenses, Certifications, and/or Documentation:

• Current state licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant required.
• Basic Life Support/CPR Certification required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrates competency in the provision of care according to established standards.
• Demonstrates appropriate application of age specific standards, policies and procedures and guidelines in caring for adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients 
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates an understanding of treatment costs and financial support as they relate to quality and efficiency.
• Demonstrates general computer skills including data entry, word processing, email, and records management.
• Effective organizational and time management skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and complete complex tasks.
• Ability to maintain quality, safety, and/or infection prevention standards.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to maintain proper levels of confidentiality.
• Ability to work closely and professionally with others at all levels of the organization.

Physical Requirements Over the Course of a Shift:

• A significant amount of standing, walking, bending, squatting, reaching, lifting, pushing, and pulling, often for prolonged periods of time.
• Both gross and precise motor functions.
• Lifting/exerting of up to 50 lbs.
• Possible exposure to bodily fluids.
• Visual acuity required for patient assessment and documentation of care.
• Acute hearing required for accurate patient assessment.
• Sufficient manual dexterity to operate equipment and computer keyboard.