Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) -PRN

Major Responsibilities:

• Provision of Patient Care
  •     1)Plans appropriate treatment programs under the supervision of a physical therapist for children and adults of all ages based on physician referral, evaluation results, patient/family goals and interests, sound clinical judgment and other pertinent available information.
  •     2)Administers daily treatment ensuring that the treatment plan is age-appropriate and adjusted as necessary with the assistance of the physical therapist in order to meet the changing needs of the patient.
  •     3)Communicates with physicians, team members, other professionals, family members and caregivers for the purpose of sharing information that will assist in achieving optimum care for the patient. Establishes effective rapport with patients of all ages depending on assignment.
  •     4)Selects appropriate assistive devices for patients and provides appropriate instruction in the maintenance and use of such equipment.
  •     5)Successfully completes all competency assessments pertaining to provision of patient care.
• Patient and Family Education
  •     1)Provides education to the patient and family or significant others based on patient needs. Identifies and addresses learning readiness, preferences and learning barriers.
• Documentation
  •     1)Completes all documentation according to departmental policy.
• Discharge Planning
  •     1)Consults with physical therapist to determine when the patient will be ready for discharge. Recognizes the need for termination of treatment and effectively plans discharge which may include establishing home treatment plans, arranging for equipment or devices.
• Evaluation and Goal Setting
  •     1)Acts as an assistant to the physical therapist during the performance of evaluations and complex treatment procedures.
  •     2)Consults with the supervising physical therapist in interpreting the results of reassessments as necessary according to the complexity of the case and demonstrated clinical competence of the physical therapist assistant.
  •     3)Establishes treatment goals in conjunction with the physical therapist.
• Daily Operations
  •     1)Responsible for maintaining a productive schedule, with an average of 6 out of 8 hours per day scheduled for direct clinical care. Informs manager of openings and/or cancellations in their daily schedule.
  •     2)Performs other duties such as charge entry for all services rendered on the day delivered, maintaining a clean work environment, and serving on departmental committees and in program development efforts as appropriate.
  •     3)Participates in continuous improvement projects.
  •     4)Follows appropriate safety and infection control measures pertaining to patient care, equipment and the general working environment. Promptly reports any problems to the manager, and follows appropriate policies and procedures.
  •     5)Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees, inservices and continuing education programs.
• Delegation/Supervision of Assistive Personnel and Students
  •     1)Supervises physical therapist assistant students and interns at the request of the manager after completing one year of clinical experience

Education/Experience Required:

• Associates degree from an accredited program for physical therapist assistants

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good interpersonal skills and communication
• Licensed or eligible in the state of Illinois

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening diseases. Direct contact with body fluids. Pushing, pulling, lifting, and transferring patients. Ability to assist, escort, transfer and respond to patient needs for extended periods of time. May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• This requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 08/01/2014. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.