Physcial Therapy Assistant

Job Title: Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Classification: Non-Exempt/Hourly
Reports To: Physical Therapy Director
Position Type: PRN
Hours Worked/Shift: Monday – Friday, weekend as needed

This is an on-site position only and is not eligible for remote or hybrid.

Summary: Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment, manage exercises programs. PTA administers treatments and physical agents as directed by the physical therapist after the physical therapist has evaluated the patient to include inpatients and outpatients. The PTA assists with restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease, or physical disability; and assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.

Essential Functions:
1. Provide direct one on one therapy with patients to include but not limited to exercises, manual therapy, education on home programs, gait training and adaptive equipment training.
2. Follows plan of care and goals as documented by physical therapist evaluations.
3. Demonstrates proper safety practices in carrying out job duties.
4. Completes pertinent documentation within 24 hours under supervision of a physical therapist.
5. Wears identification on duty.
6. Demonstrates appropriate job competencies in accordance with license.
7. Complies with organizational policies in course of duties.
8. Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the physical therapist. Adheres to standards of physical therapy medicine’s best practices.
9. Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect and discusses observations with physical therapist.
10. Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and reassess as per policy. This includes adolescents, geriatric patients, and the general patient population.
11. Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning. Family is included in teaching as appropriate, and physical therapist is informed of conclusions.
12. Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities and exercise equipment.
13. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly and maintains department cleanliness and safety.
14. Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, facility staff and members of the department.
15. Maintains records pertinent to personnel, treatment, and operation of the department.
16. Maintains good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
17. Documentation meets current standards and policies.
18. Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
19. Completes annual education requirements and certification renewal.
20. Communicates effectively in English.
21. Assists in maintaining budget controls and expenses.
22. Enters patient charges and treatment statistics in the computer.
23. The PTA will The PTA participates in operational aspects of the department and maintains performance improvement activities with the department.
24. Updates Physical Therapist timely regarding patients progress or lack of progress towards goals.
25. Effectively teaches patients on adaptive equipment, functional mobility skills and home exercise programs.
26. Reports any compliance/quality issues within 24 hours of occurrence in SQSS and to Physical Therapy Director.

Competencies:
1. Excellent communication skills.
2. Sincere desire to help people and improve their quality of life.
3. Ability to work independently while still being a team player.
4. High degree of professionalism, a good motivator and/or advocate and a good problem solver.
5. Able to clearly communicate in writing and have good verbal communication.
6. Knowledge of basic computer skills.

Position Qualifications:
Minimum Education: Associate’s degree or greater from an approved school of Physical Therapy.

Minimum Experience: Experience preferred in outpatient and inpatient settings. New graduates welcome.

Certifications/Licensures: Have a current state license for Physical Therapy Assistant.

Working Environment: Majority of work time spent sitting in outpatient and inpatient areas and departmental confines; some movement about office and business department necessary.

Physical Demands: **

Stand: Occasionally Walk: Occasionally Sit: Occasionally Squat/Kneel: Occasionally Bend: Occasionally Lift/Carry: 0-10 pounds: Occasionally 10-20 pounds: Occasionally 20-50 pounds: Never 50-100 pounds: Never 100 pounds: Never Push/Pull: 10-25 pounds: Never 25-50 pounds: Never 50-100 pounds: Never 100 pounds: Never

**Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position accountabilities without compromising patient care or departmental efficiency. However, should it de determined that the employee cannot meet the position accountabilities with or without accommodation, it is the right of GRMC to release the individual under Kansas “Employment at Will” doctrine**

Professional Requirements: Adheres to policies, procedures, and always maintains confidentiality. Attends annual in-services completes annual education in a timely manner. Represents GRMC in a positive, professional manner on the job, electronically and in the community. Complies with all hospital policies regarding ethical business practices; communicates the mission statement & core values of GRMC both on and off the job.