Physical Therapist Assistant, FT/Days, Inpatient & Outpatient Clear Lake

Job Summary

• Cost Accounting Type: Fixed Direct
• Exempt: No
• Works under limited supervision of a physical therapist while administering various APTA standard physical therapy treatments for disabilities, injuries, and diseases, to relieve pain, restore motor function, and maintain optimal performance by a means of special therapeutic exercises, heat treatments, massages, hydrotherapy treatments, wound care treatments, electricity, etc., or as otherwise prescribed by the attending physician and in keeping with training and skill level attained.

Standards of Behavior

Line of Responsibility and Authority

• LINE OF AUTHORITY: Physical Therapist Assistant - Director of Rehabilitation Services

Licenses and Certifications

Professionalism and Self-Development

Education and Qualifications

• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Graduate of an APTA accredited School for Physical Therapist Assistants or eligible for registration as a physical therapy assistant in the State of California
• LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS: Current CPR course completion
• LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS: Licensed California Physical Therapy Assistant.
• LICENSES OR CERTIFICATIONS: Member of APTA preferred.
• QUALIFICATIONS: A valid California driver's license when travel is required.
• QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to organize and monitor the work of others.
• QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to relate effectively with patients, nurses, physicians and other hospital/home health staff in a courteous, professional manner.
• QUALIFICATIONS: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• QUALIFICATIONS: Analytical and diagnostic ability capable to interpreting patient physician's orders for physical therapy patients and developing an effective treatment plan as needed.
• QUALIFICATIONS: Evidence of automobile insurance when travel is required
• QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment/Use of Senses and Communications Skills

• ACCOMMODATIONS: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee typically encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key responsibilities and essential functions
• CONFIDENTIALITY: Employee must conform with all HIPAA and other confidentiality regulations as required by the job, department, or hospital
• PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS a: This job requires frequent bending, squatting, kneeling, climbing, reaching above shoulders, sitting, walking inclines and declines, standing, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive hand motions. Vision requirements include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee will occasionally lift boxes and/or supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• POTENTIAL EXPOSURE TO BLOOD & BODY FLUIDS: Category 2 for potential exposure to blood/body fluids. Does not usually require the performance of procedures or other tasks in the work routine that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, but Category 2 tasks may require the unexpected performance of these procedures.

Job Roles

Physical Therapist Assistant (AHCL)

• Administers and performs standard physical therapy procedures which include, but are not limited to the following practices: active/active assistive/passive/resistive exercise, massage and other manual therapy depending on level of training, walking, running, muscle re-education, using such PT modalities as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction devices, fomentations, whirlpools, etc., and give instruction on the correct use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, leg, arm, neck and back braces, prosthetic devices, etc.
• Assists with ongoing collaborative interdisciplinary planning to ensure high quality services.
• Assumes responsibility for observing work schedule and job requirements, maintaining compliance with hospital and departmental policies including overtime, attendance, vacation, confidentiality, etc., and completing assigned projects in a timely manner.
• Attends case conferences to evaluate and discuss patient's progress and future plans for therapy.
• Attends departmental staff meetings and Inservice meetings as required.
• Checks with physical therapist periodically to reassess and plan additional therapy for the patient. Participates in Patient Review Meetings bimonthly.
• Conforms to established departmental quality assurance standards and procedures on a regular basis.
• Demonstrates and instructs patients and other clinical staff on the proper use of PT modalities, massage, various exercises, etc., to use between treatments. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care/service appropriate to the age of the patients/individuals served. This employee has demonstrated and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's individual's status and interpret relative to his age-specific needs, and to provide the care/service needed.
• Documents patient's progress by recording necessary information of treatment records, patient's files, and write and/or charts progress notes daily or as required. Instructs patient's family/caregivers on prescribed discharge program when necessary.
• Keeps current on the latest developments in physical therapy by reading professional literature, participating in education classes, etc., in order to demonstrate competence for the position.
• Maintains and meets expectations on time for all competencies, license, certifications and education requirements as outlined by local administration, Adventist Health AH, The Joint Commission TJC, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services CMS, and all other regulatory agencies.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and employee information within the hospital, and community setting.
• Operates equipment in a safe manner and shares responsibility for communication safety violations or unsafe practices to management.
• Orients patient to all therapeutic procedures involved and comforts patient by constantly reassuring the patient through the entire treatment session.
• Participates in the Performance Improvement Plan activities as requested or needed.
• Prepares patient and various PT modalities such as traction devices and exercise equipment, for prescribed physical treatments as needed. Also instructs patient, family and other clinical staff on correct cervical and pelvic traction procedures when needed.
• Relates well with other staff members and various other hospital personnel in a courteous professional manner at all times.
• Reports patient progress or any complications directly to the attending physician as needed.
• Schedules as needed and completes visits within established timeframes.
• Takes initiative to contact physical therapist or other health care professionals as needed to ensure quality care for the patient.
• The physical therapist will assess, plan and evaluate physicians' orders for implementation of physical therapy treatment for the patient. Following this assessment, the physical therapist may elect to have the registered physical therapist assistant implement the treatment.
• Utilizes appropriate oral and written communication skills sufficient to meet the demands of the job.
• Willingly performs other duties and innovations as assigned.

Job Requirements: