Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary

This position assists in the implementation of the rehabilitative plan of care under the direction and supervision of a qualified physical therapist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities *

The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for carrying out the plan of care as developed and supervised by the Physical Therapist. These duties include the following:

• Upon assignment by the PT, contacting the patient within 24 hours and beginning therapy as prescribed.
• Administering therapeutic exercises and techniques that have been delegated by the Physical Therapist.
• Assisting in the instruction of home exercise programs to the patient and family.
• Assisting patients in the use of assistive devices.
• Consulting with the Physical Therapist regarding the outcome of home visits and patient progress.
• Participating in department staff meetings, case conferences, and in-service programs.
• Assuming other duties, and/or attending other meetings, which are deemed appropriate and necessary by the supervising Physical Therapist or Regional Director
• Practicing in a manner consistent with the professional and Harmony code of ethics.
• Following Harmonys adverse event/incident reporting procedure and Emergency Preparedness Plan.
• Establishing and maintaining effective communication and a professional relationship with client, families, and coworkers.
• Providing documentation of patient care according to established criteria, including regular case conference notes and submission of caseload rosters per the established schedule.
• Maintaining confidentiality in relation to all patients, healthcare staff and documentation; seeking direction from the Physical Therapist/Harmony Supervisor if asked to share any patient information with outside parties.
• Utilizing universal precautions and following OSHA guidelines at all times.
• Maintaining and enhancing skills through continuing education.
• Appearing professional and complying with the Company dress code.
• Fulfilling assignments reliably and punctually.
• Following Harmonys adverse event/incident reporting procedure and Emergency Preparedness Plan.
• Listening and responding to clients needs in a sensitive and timely manner either through their own initiative, as appropriate, or by timely referral to the Case Manager and/or supervising Physical Therapist.

Qualifications and Experience

• Graduate of a Physical Therapy Assistant program approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.
• Registration or certification in the practicing state.
• One year of experience in a health care setting preferred.
• Ability to read and follow written instructions and document care.
• Self directed with the ability to work with little direct supervision.
• Demonstrates tact, patience and good personal hygiene.
• Complete and pass skills evaluation test annually.
• Effective written and oral communication skills and good interpersonal skills.
• Current CPR card, drivers license, auto insurance, safe driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check.

Physical demands and work environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of this job, the employee is required to perform job related duties which may include: lifting, standing, bending, transferring, stooping, stretching, walking, pushing, pulling, talking, hearing, and the ability to provide partial or complete assistance with activities of daily living without assistance from another healthcare worker or caregiver. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds without assistance, and help to support and/or transfer patients who potentially weigh much more than 60 pounds, with physical assistance or the aid of assistive devices. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually minimal.