Physical Therapy Assistant

JOB TITLE: Physical Therapist Assistant

EMPLOYER: Elliott Physical Therapy

DEPARTMENT: Clinical

REPORTS TO: Clinical Manager

Summary: An Elliott PT Physical Therapist Assistant will carry out an individualized program of physical therapy as part of a patient’s Care Team under the direction of an Elliott PT Physical Therapist. Each patient’s program will include treatment, planning, implementation, education, and communication to maximize a patient's progress toward achieving functional goals. Physical Therapist Assistants will maintain a positive working relationship with other health professionals and collaborate with clinical and admin team members to promote a strong, team-centered workspace.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the most successful outcome for the patient by implementing the best known treatment interventions based on the plan of care established by the Physical Therapist

  • Treatment interventions to include but not limited to: therapeutic exercise and activity, manual therapy techniques, patient education, functional training in self-care and home management, work conditioning and hardening, and supplying durable medical equipment (as per APTA guidelines and State Practice Acts)

• Promptly and thoroughly documents patient care, daily treatment notes, outcomes to treatment, limitations and progressions in our EMR

• Communicates regularly with the Physical Therapist regarding the patient’s status, plan of care, and appropriate progressions for optimized care

• Will assist the Physical Therapist as necessary and appropriate regarding discharge planning when the patient has received maximum benefit from therapy with progression to bi-annual and/or annual PT visits

• Monitors and maintains essential patient care and safety during all treatment sessions; seeks guidance from the Physical Therapist when necessary

• Participates in continuing education to continually improve skills and abilities and stay abreast of current technologies/practices

• Maintains a full caseload according to your expected commitment of patient visits per week

• Provide support and demonstrate respect to all other EPT team members

• Adhere to all state and federal physical therapy assistant standards, guidelines, and laws. Ensure compliance with JCAHO and patient confidentiality. Uphold all of EPT core values.

• Act as EPT ambassador for select group(s) and participate in quarterly community outreach events

• Exhibits a high degree of courtesy, tact, and poise when interacting with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals under the guidance of a Physical Therapist

• Adjusts to fluctuating peaks in patient flow, acuity, and other operational demands while maintaining quality.

• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications:

• Active state physical therapy assistant license

• Ability to understand and adhere to established policies, procedures, and protocols

• Commitment to excellence and high standards

• Excellent written and oral communication skills

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills

• Ability to manage priorities and workflow

• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm

• Good judgment with the ability to make timely and sound decisions

• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions

• Able to work collaboratively with multiple health professionals in a busy and complex environment using tact, diplomacy, and discipline

• Strong charting/documentation skills

• Ability to effectively communicate with people at all levels and from various backgrounds

• Bilingual skills are a plus

Competencies:

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to stand

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to walk

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to sit

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to talk or hear

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually utilize visual acuity to operate equipment, read
  technical information, and/or use a keyboard

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to lift/push/carry items less than 25 pounds/ up to 25 pounds/ up to 50 pounds/ more than 50 pounds

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually exposure to wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually work near moving mechanical parts

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually work in high, precarious places

• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually work around fumes, airborne particles, or toxic chemicals