Physical Therapist Assistant - Full-Time

Description

CareLink Mission: The CareLink mission is to lead its members in the development of a high quality, responsive and relevant aging services network that cares for adults with complex health issues.

CareLink Vision: CareLink and its members will create and implement innovative solutions within the health care system that make a positive impact on the lives of adults living with complex health issues.

Position Overview: The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is responsible for delivering and supporting the therapeutic programs (within the parameters of training and expertise) designed and established by the Physical Therapist.  

Essential Functions:

• In collaboration with the Physical Therapist and the multi-disciplinary team, the PTA evaluates a patient's health; develops the treatment plan; implements the physical therapy treatment plan; monitors the patients’ progress; and operates the therapeutic equipment in a safe and clinically appropriate manner. 
• Fulfill all job functions of a staff certified physical therapy assistant within scope of practice.
• Responsible for documentation of these treatments, recording patient status, treatment response, changes noted and patient/family education.
• Conducting physical and psychological assessments of clients and developing or following a treatment plan.
• Assessing the home environments of clients and deciding what adjustments are needed.
• Advising on adaptive equipment to help clients with daily activities; must be able to operate in area of practice; apply indications and contraindications according to patient diagnosis and standard operating procedures. 
• Developing physical rehabilitation programs to help clients regain lost skills.
• Educating caregivers and family members of clients on patient care.
• Evaluating results and progress of physical therapy on clients.
• Maintaining professional knowledge and technical progress in order to provide clients with the best treatment program available.
• Complying with federal, state, and local certification requirements.
• Evaluating patient condition regarding physical and basic mental health.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND ORGANIZATIONAL DUITES:

• Has a working knowledge of job duties and departmental policies and procedures.  
• Incorporates policies and procedures into the daily routine, referring to policies and procedures manual as necessary.  
• Makes recommendations for changes.  
• Independently organizes a schedule that reflects patient care priorities and facility needs and responsibilities.  
• Carries a caseload that reflects the facilities' productivity standards.  
• Uses appropriate written communication.  
• Participates in departmental administration.  
• Participates in quality improvement programs.  
• Ensures that equipment is in working condition and meets departmental standards prior to patient’s treatment.  
• Report defective equipment to supervisor promptly.  
• Uses facility equipment and supplies in a cost-effective and respectful manner.  
• Maintains a clean work environment.

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR:

• Identifies own learning needs and seeks out educational experiences to meet those needs.
• Demonstrates appropriate verbal communication.  
• Follows directions given by Physical Therapist or other supervisors and asks questions at an appropriate time and place.  
• Is receptive to constructive feedback regarding performance.  
• Uses appropriate channels of communication and assumes responsibility for securing a satisfactory response.  
• Disposition, temperament and reactions are consistent with the philosophy that the patient’s welfare is the prime objective.  
• A team player that demonstrates a willingness to meet departmental needs, weekend rotation, coverage and schedule changes and site changes when census demands.   
• Actively participates in finding solutions to identified problems.

Requirements

Physical Requirements:

• Visual Acuity – average acuity acceptable. Must be able to use visually oriented office/medical equipment. Must be able to read and complete forms. Must be able to visually assess patient status and response to treatment. 
• Auditory Acuity – average acuity acceptable. Must be able to communicate person to person and via telephone.
• Hand and Eye Coordination – average coordination acceptable. Must be able to deliver patient care and adequately manipulate equipment as it relates to Rehab services. Must be able to perform basic office tasks such as writing and computer equipment.
• Hand Dexterity – average dexterity acceptable