POSITION SUMMARY:

Assists the physical therapist in various types of treatment including therapeutic exercise, mobility and modalities. Provides care in a manner appropriate to the age of the patient.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Instructs/educates patients/families/caregivers in the use and purpose of exercise programs, therapeutic devices and adaptive techniques that follows a documented treatment plan under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
• Implements physical therapy care programs or portions thereof, as planned and directed by a licensed physical therapist.
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation, including the medical record, physician communication, charges, etc.
• Consults with other members of the rehabilitation team as needed to coordinate patient care.
• Adapts/adjusts patient equipment and devices; safely and appropriately applies orthoses.
• Regularly and appropriately delegates portions of treatment programs to supportive personnel.
• Consistently demonstrates an awareness and concern for patient safety; complies with hospital infection control policies.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate with patients/families/care-givers in a professional manner, while motivating them to advance in rehabilitation.
• Actively participates on patient care and department committees.
• Regularly notifies licensed physical therapist of the patient’s performance/progress and recommends appropriate modifications/termination of treatments in a timely manner.
• Adapts or modifies treatment program to meet patients’ needs under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
• Regularly reviews caseload for opportunities to effectively “dove-tail” procedures performing physical therapy on more than one patient simultaneously without interfering with quality.
• Regularly and appropriately instructs/educates other health team personnel in the care of the patient, including, but not limited to treatment programs/home exercises.
• Assists in selected portions of the orientation and/or training of new employees/students.
• Reacts to change productively and performs other job related tasks and duties as assigned.
• Possesses adequate knowledge of applicable Federal and State Regulations related to the treatment setting.
• Completes work assignments within an acceptable time frame.
• Uses time and resources to the best possible advantage for successful completion of job responsibilities.
• Develops and maintains efficient working relationships.
• Is reliable in respect to attendance.
• Is Reliable in respect to punctuality.
• Recognizes the importance of team efforts and partners with others to achieve positive outcomes

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Is responsible for ongoing development of his/her work skills through the use of available resources (i.e.: inservices, formal educational programs, other work groups and on-the-job training).
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and inservices and/or reviews documentation as required.
• Assists in the orientation of others and actively participates in mentoring.
• Performs analytical and decision making functions with minimal supervision.
• Recognizes and seeks assistance/consultation when appropriate.
• Demonstrates an understanding of relative Hospital and all-departmental policies and procedures including safety issues.
• Possesses awareness of programs/services provided by Hospital and where they are located.
• Is cooperative in interactions, treating customers with courtesy, respect and compassion.
• Is patient when responding to questions and answers questions appropriately.
• Responds to requests in a timely manner.
• Handles interruptions in a skillful way.
• Maintains a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Strives to prevent/resolve customer concerns to the customer’s satisfaction.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/LICENSURE/TECHNICAL/OTHER:

Required Qualifications: Associate Degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program; current MA PTA license

Preferred Qualifications: Experiences in the clinical area of assignment.