Physical Therapy Assistant

Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment as supervised by the staff physical therapist. Administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the staff physical therapist, after the physical therapist has evaluated the patient. The PTA assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. The PTA participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities. Participates in all infection control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.

• Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the staff physical therapist. Adheres to standards of physical medicine practice.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with staff physical therapist.
• Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate, staff physical therapist is apprised of conclusions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, facility staff and members of the department.
• Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and facility policy is followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Assists in ordering supplies, maintains adequate PAR levels to assure all supplies and equipment is readily available.
• Participates in infection control, departmental training equipment training and organizational CQI activities.
• Participates in educational staff performance improvement inservices. Assists with orientation and inservice training for certified department staff members, participates in guidance and educational programs.

Requirements

• Associates Degree in Physical Therapy
• Licensed by State of Kentucky as a Physical Therapy Assistant
• Experience working with geriatric population preferred.
• Good interpersonal and public relations skills.
• Solid analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities.
• Able to assist and coordinate with others.
• Able to use computer in basic word processing, email correspondence, and excel applications

Physical Requirements

• Movements frequently and regularly required using the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Especially where one must frequently convey detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Average, ordinary, visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents or products or operate machinery.
• Able to hear average or normal conversations and receive ordinary information.
• Frequently stand, use hands, reach with hands, and climb and balance. Frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to deal with a variety of variables under only limited standardization.
• Able to interpret various instructions.
• Ability to perform basic math skills, use decimals to compute ratios and percents.
• Ability to prepare reports, letters, and other forms of communication using proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar.
• Ability to communicate distinctly with appropriate pauses and emphasis, correct pronunciation (or sign equivalent), and variation in word order using present, perfect, and future tenses.

I have read and understand the functions and requirements of this position. I understand that this is not to be considered as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional duties for this position.

I have noted below my accommodations that are required to enable me to perform those duties. I have also noted below any position duties that I am unable to perform with or without accommodation.

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Employee’s signature________________________ Date___________________________