Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant

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.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

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.
• Completes mandatory requirements (including PPD, competencies, and safety/infection control tests, CPR recertification, license renewal) within given time frame.

4. Shows evidence of on-going professional growth and knowledge of regulations and standards.

• Initiates independent learning opportunities, seeks out and integrates new information in daily practice. Communicates learning needs to supervisor.
• Stays current with advances in physical therapy treatments and techniques through attendance of professional meetings, continuing education, and reading of current literature.
• Shows knowledge of professional federal and state rules and regulations governing the practice of physical therapist assistance.
• Directs and supervises the rehabilitation aide consistent with state practice act in a safe and effective manner.

5. Participates in the development and evaluation of physical therapy programs.

• Identifies assigned rotation/floor needs. Contributes to the development and updating of unit files and other pertinent resource material.
• Assists in developing and achieving area goals.
• Collects data required to complete research projects, clinical outcomes studies, and /or department quality improvement projects in compliance with JCAHO standards.
• Contributes to the assessment, planning, and implementation of physical therapy programs in collaboration with supervisor and peers.

6. Collaborates with colleagues and other professionals to provide high quality patient care.

• Serves as clinical resource for other health care professionals on assigned floors.
• Works as part of the rehabilitation therapy team, helping and supporting staff members as needed; listens to and seeks feedback from others; shares knowledge with others in positive manner; expresses opinions clearly.
• Accommodates to change by being adaptable and flexible and maintains professional demeanor during periods of stress.
• Attends and participates in all mandatory department meetings. Arrives prepared and on time.
• Accepts membership in department and hospital task forces and committees as requested by supervisor.
• Provides in-service education of staff for the department and other hospital personnel.
• Prepares for a verbal presentation using peer-reviewed journals and presents this information in a clear, organized, and concise manner.
• Participates responsibly in the supervisory process, follows through on suggestions and recommendations, and utilizes supervision time for own professional growth. Comes prepared to supervisory meetings.
• Develops annual goals in consultation with supervisor and meets them with a high quality of performance.

7. Orients medical professional staff and the community to physical therapy assistants.

• Orients medical professional staff and the community (volunteers, high school students) to physical therapy assistants

8. Provides a well-rounded learning experience for affiliating physical therapist assistant students.

• Assesses the learning needs of assigned physical therapist assistant students and provides training in patient evaluation and treatment procedures as practiced on assigned units.
• Facilitates development of clinical problem solving skills of the affiliating students by asking probing questions.
• Schedules weekly meetings with assigned students providing growth-promoting feedback and learning experiences.
• Keeps student program coordinator informed of student's performance.
• Cooperates with student program coordinator and academic coordinator to develop and implement corrective actions when indicated.
• Conducts student performance evaluations, discusses evaluation with students, and submits the completed form to the student program coordinator in a timely fashion.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Work requires an Associate's Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from an accredited institution

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Work requires a current Commonwealth of Massachusetts Physical Therapist Assistant license or eligibility status. Current CPR certification or obtained within 90 days of hire.

EXPERIENCE:

1-3 year's experience preferable.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of geriatric, pediatric, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, integumentary, and cardiopulmonary physical therapy.

Work requires interpersonal skills necessary to effectively interact with patients, families and various members of the health care team.

Work requires analytical abilities to implement and progress appropriate treatment programs.

Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Bilingual or multi-lingual skills (beyond that of English) appropriate to the patient population served is a plus.

Ability to work independently and effectively manage time and assignments.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans