Physical Therapy Assistant Physical Medicine

Job Summary

Under supervision of a Physical Therapist implements specific treatment programs for neonatal through geriatric patients according to accepted physical therapy practices and principles.

Physical Requirements

• The ability to perform the duties and responsibility of the position with or without reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
• The ability to consistently lift push or pull loads of up to fifty (50) pounds. (Unless nursing 50)
• Sufficient strength mobility and stamina to make frequent location and position changes assist with patient care and perform other physical activities of average difficulty.
• Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the requirements will still be considered fully qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations.
• May be exposed to infectious or contagious disease.
• May have to handle emergency situations.
• May be subject to irregular hours.
• May be required to wear protective equipment such as eye protection face protection masks sterile/nonsterile gloves isolation gowns.
• May be exposed to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents.
• Physical activities include continuous sitting and occasional walking standing bending squatting climbing kneeling and twisting.
• Activity Conditions (Occasionally Frequently Continuously):
  • Sitting- Frequently
  • Walking- Frequently
  • Standing- Frequently
  • Bending-Frequently
  • Squatting- Frequently
  • Climbing-Frequently
  • Kneeling-Frequently
  • Twisting-Frequently

Visual and Hearing Requirements

• Must be able to see with corrective eye wear.

• Must be able to hear clearly with assistance.

Working Conditions

Primarily Works in a well-lighted and air-conditioned environment with period of heavy workload and stress. Works in various conditions.

Performance: Essential Functions

Decision Making:Ability to make decisions and takes appropriate action based on the information they have. Recognizes own limitations and consults with the supervisor manager or team member when appropriate.

Time Management:Works efficiently and manages duties to ensure that tasks are completed with accuracy and within the scheduled shift or reasonable amount of time.

Quality & Quantity:Demonstrates accurate knowledge and skill to carry out job duties. Follows departmental work policies and procedures. Speed and consistency of output and time utilization of job duties.

Computer Knowledge & Electronic Equipment Use:Demonstrates ability to consistently utilize electronic equipment and online computer programs to perform job duties including electronic documentation and order entry.

Resource Utilization:Consistently utilizes and maintains supplies and equipment to minimize lost charges and unnecessary equipment repair-replacement.

Confidentiality:Adheres to established policies on privacy and security requirements for compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) as applicable by Shannon Policy.

Supervises the Following Positions

Positions: Physical Therapy Aides and Students

Performance: Position Specific Essential Functions

• Able to self-assess self-correct and self-direct; to identify needs and sources of learning; and to continually seek new knowledge and understanding through participation in professional organizations educational programs current literature in-service meetings peer case reviews workshops etc.; shares new knowledge with co-workers.

• Effectively communicates with interdisciplinary team members including patients physicians families colleagues and other healthcare professionals (i.e. verbal non-verbal reading writing and listening) for varied audiences and purposes.

• Ability to question logically; to identify generate and evaluate elements of a logical argument; to recognize and differentiate facts and assumptions; and to distinguish between the relevant and the irrelevant.

• Recognizes and defines problems; analyzes data develops and implements solutions and evaluates outcomes.

• Assists with student training by accepting the role as a Clinical Instructor and promoting student education within the profession. Completes required student assessments timely and receives positive feedback assessments from their student and school

• Nurtures other team members and builds productive relationships across the immediate work team and with other areas that impact the patient experience. Actively listens to others encourages others opinion and help problem-solve. Acknowledges others for their ideas and efforts while positively contributing to the work plan. Readily accepts and promotes change.

• Assists as an assistant as requested by the Physical Therapist through data collection from a variety of sources such as patient records interviews observations and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.

• Conducts a program of exercise and treatment for assigned patients as determined by the physical therapist while ensuring the PT programming remains within the patients capabilities. Appropriately monitors medical precautions for patients during therapy sessions and consults with supervising Physical Therapist on a regular basis regarding the patients progress.

• Prepares written documentation as required by the profession and the department.

• Assists as an assistant as requested by the Physical Therapist in discharge planning by obtaining objective measures providing clerical support with discharge summaries identifying the need for adaptive equipment and training and instructing the patient on proper use of adaptive equipment.

• Promotes and utilizes evidence-based practice. Participates in evidence-based activities such as department journal clubs in-services etc.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Required

  • Associate degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)- Accredited Program

Experience:

• Preferred

  • One (1) year of experience as a Physical Therapy Aide or Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Certification/Licensure:

• • Current licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) with the Texas Executive Council of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Examiners (ECPTOTE)

    • License must remain active and in good standing as a condition of continued employment

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

    • Must obtain within ninety (90) days of start date; must remain active and in good standing throughout the duration of employment