Physical Therapist Assistant

Open until filled

This is not a union position.

JOB SUMMARY

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 Physical Therapy Assistant 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 Physical Therapy Assistant participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in CQI activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

• Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Provides treatment and rehabilitative services to patients who have experienced injury or disabling disease. Provides patients with exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction and ultrasound, among other assigned duties.
• 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.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• 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.
• Responsible for the monitoring and documentation of patient treatment and response.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• 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.
• Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Provides treatment and rehabilitative services to patients who have experienced injury or disabling disease. Provides patients with exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction and ultrasound, among other assigned duties.
• 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.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact for intervention.
• 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.
• Responsible for the monitoring and documentation of patient treatment and response.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• 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, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Participates in all infection prevention and control, departmental equipment training, organizational safety and fire safety programs.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally wit