Physical Therapy Assistant - Part-Time

Description

CareLink is a non-profit, mission-based 501c3 organization that was founded in 1997 by non-profit post-acute and community-based organizations specializing in the care of older adults and adults with disabilities. These organizations include long-term care, housing, hospice, home care, assisted living and adult-day health. In addition, CareLink is a direct provider of a range of health and wellness services including rehabilitation (PT/OT/SLP), mobile dental, audiology, podiatry, psychiatry, brain health and wellness services. We keep individuals doing the things that they want to do, independently, in the place they call home.

This part-time, float position (approx. 20 hours per week) will provide care at our Northern and Central RI Region's inpatient and outpatient facilities. Occasional coverage outside of this area may be requested.  Weekend differential and off-set schedules available.

The Physical Therapy 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 implements the physical therapy treatment plan as prescribed by the Physical Therapist; 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, and caregiver education.
• Conducting physical and psychological assessments of clients and following a treatment plan.
• Assessing the home environments of clients and recommending modifications.
• Advising on assistive devices to help clients with functional mobility; 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.
• 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.

Administrative and Organizational Duties:

• 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 facility's 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

Performance Skills:

• Commitment to providing high quality, evidence-based health care services
• Attention to detail
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Ability to problem solve
• Customer service focus
• Willingness to learn
• Situation-appropriate sense of urgency, prioritization skills, follow through and sense of task ownership

Education/E