Physical Therapist Assistant, Outpatient (Winthrop Clinic)

Position: Physical Therapist Assistant 

Department: Outpatient Rehabilitation

Location: Winthrop, MA

Schedule: 40 hours per week, On-site

POSITION SUMMARY:

The level 1 Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) has the responsibility of assisting Physical Therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures, as directed. They assist in all treatment including therapeutic exercise, massage, electrical stimulation, thermal modalities, traction and ultrasound.  They are clinically skilled to perform advanced manual skills including joint mobilization, stretching, and taping to carry out PT specific plan of care.  Ages of patients range from pediatric to geriatric populations. The PTA will document all progress and modify specific treatments appropriate to patient need based on the scope of treatment established by Physical Therapist, helping people with physical and functional deficits reach their maximum potential of independence.  The Physical Therapist Assistant practices in collaboration with all other members of the interdisciplinary team, and participates in the department’s educational activities and programs. Provides coverage to other areas within the Rehabilitation Department as needed.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Implements comprehensive individual and group treatment independently.  Consistently demonstrates clinical competence.

• Follows through with established treatment priorities based on the physical therapist’s evaluation results.

• Implements individual and group physical therapy services using effective treatment.

• Uses creative treatment approaches and explores alternative solutions to individual patient problems.

• Demonstrates clinical problem solving skills with a variety of patient problems and substantiates actions taken.

• Monitors patient response to treatment and progresses treatment programs appropriately. Informs the physical therapist of changes in the patient which may require reassessment.

• Recommends and/or issues appropriate assistive devices or durable medical equipment, ensuring that it properly fits the patient.

• Develops and instructs patient and caregiver in home programs and/or use of recommended equipment; provides verbal and/or written instructions as indicated.

• Establishes and maintains a therapeutic relationship with all patients.

• Demonstrates ability to engage patients in treatment, provides reinforcement and support; sets limits appropriately.

• Communicates patient progress to team members in weekly rounds and informally as needed.

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age groups regularly served.

• Notifies supervisor when patients in age groups not regularly served are present, and seeks assistance from individuals with the knowledge of the specialized therapeutic needs of such patient age groups.

• Adheres to diagnosis-related precautions.  Demonstrates good judgment in handling potentially hazardous situations, seeking assistance as necessary.

• Monitors clinical supplies on assigned floors, requesting replacements in a timely manner.

2.         Supports physical therapist in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment plan.

• Documents actual intervention and patient response to treatment as well as progress toward goals.

• Identifies need for additional intervention by the physical therapist and collaborates with therapist for this intervention.

• Discusses patient issues, discharge planning, changes in care plan, and progress toward goals with evaluating physical therapist

• Schedules with primary physical therapist for re-evaluation in timely manner and in compliance with department and third party policies/requirements.

3.         Complies with departmental, institutional, and accrediting agency policies and /or standards.

• Completes area specific documentation in an accurate, thorough and timely manner according to department standards scoring an average of 95% or greater on each indicator.

• Issues supplies/adaptive equipment in a cost-effective manner. Justifies issuance of equipment, demonstrates actual use by patient, and looks for alternative solutions.

• Completes patient care charges timely and accurately.

• Meets area specific productivity standards at least 95% of the time. Identifies problems and makes adjustments to meet targeted productivity.

• Participates in the peer review process. Completes form thoroughly, gives meaningful and constructive feedback, and provides learning experience to peer.<