PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT, CERT

Job Summary

• The Physical Therapist Assistant is responsible for providing treatment under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to individuals needing Physical therapy services, adhering to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Standards of Practice at all times 

Responsibilities

• Plan of Care Implementation
  • Reviews the results of the evaluation completed by the Physical Therapist and adheres to the plan of care in working with the patient. Includes evidence based procedures related to all identified patient goals in treatment programs.  Sensitively and effectively varies the approach in accordance with patients’ individual needs and background.
  • Meets service area productivity standards for number of treatments provided.
  • Gives clear, complete instructions to patients in  preparing to apply and during application of treatment modalities. Utilizes appropriate educational resources including posters, handouts and models to facilitate learning.
  • Observes patient’s response to treatment during sessions and shares clinical observations and patient self-reports with the PT.
  • Ensures that patients are re-evaluated by the PT within timeframes required by regulatory agencies and reimbursement sources.
• Patient/Family Teaching
  • Provides clear explanation of the role of therapy.
  • Provides clear and appropriate directions to patients and, with patient consent, to families regarding home programs and activities outside the treatment setting. Utilizes appropriate educational resources including posters, handouts and models to facilitate learning.
• Documentation
  • Documents all patient observations, services, and all other clinical information in individual patient records as directed by supervising PT in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Completes patient logs, patient attendance records, patient charges, request forms, supply inventory, and other documentation required by department policy accurately and within required timeframes. 
• Supervision of Other Staff
  • Provides clinical supervision to Certified Physical Therapist Assistants and/or Physical Therapist Assistant students and completes all documentation of     same required by regulatory and reimbursement authorities and/or educational institutions.
  • Provides supervision and completes performance appraisals for Rehabilitation Aides.
• Professional Development
  • Uses available resources to maintain and improve skills, independently seeks learning experiences to expand clinical knowledge base, and incorporates learning in clinical work.
  • Annually attends at least one external workshop, conference or course related to identified  performance goals.
  • Regularly reads current professional clinical literature.
  • Maintains understanding of current regulations and standards pertaining to professional practice issues.
  • Seeks and responds to supervision by demonstrating professional growth. 
  • Attends department, hospital, and specialty area inservices as outlined by department policy.
  • Presents departmental or service area inservice in area of expertise once yearly to other staff and/or students. Participates in hospital-wide or community education or activity focused program.
• Policy/Procedure
  • Keeps informed of changes in policies, procedures, and practices affecting performance and operations in all departmental service areas and for the whole hospital by attending staff meetings and reading written notices/acts in a manner consistent with policies and procedures at all times. In collaboration with Physical Therapists participates in the development, review, and revision of treatment protocols.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

• EXPERIENCE
  • Two to five years of clinical experience as a Certified PTA with experience supervising students and staff. 
• 
  EDUCATION
  • Associates Degree for Physical Therapist Assistant.
• 
  LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
  • New York State Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant.