Job Details

The Physical Therapy Assistant will assume responsibility and accountability for providing physical therapy modalities and treatment procedures as determined by a treatment plan of care established by a physical therapist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides patient/resident care and assessment in accordance with established practice standards and facility/departmental policies:
• Provides care per physician's orders and plan of care developed by evaluating therapist.
• Takes measurements of patient's/client's status, within the limits of his/her licensure and ability, as appropriate in providing care and to assist in assessing the effectiveness of care.
• Maintains communication and collaboration with the evaluating therapist, to promote maximum benefits from therapy. Summarizes patient performance according to established goals.
• Implements education plan as outlined by the evaluating therapist, determines additional educational needs of the patient/client, family, caregiver or significant other as they arise and in collaboration with the evaluating therapist provides education to meet those needs.
• Follows plan for discharge and discusses with the evaluating therapist any additional discharge concerns which may arise. Assists therapist in goal reassessment and discharge planning.
• Communicates with patient, family, caregivers, significant other and other members of the healthcare team to promote maximum benefit of care.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and correct application of clinical techniques, procedures and programs for clinical setting and patient/resident population served.
• Displays appropriate technical knowledge and application of available modalities and other equipment.

Safety/Security:

• Provides and environment conducive to safety for patients/clients, visitors and staff.
• Assesses the risks for safety and implements appropriate precautions.
• Complies with appropriate and approved security and safety standards.

Leadership:

• Utilizes appropriate leadership skills in delegating, organizing and education coworkers and staff.
• Participates in and contributes to quality improvement process.

Demonstrates effectiveness in allocation of time resources and work efficiency.

• Distinguishes between low and high priority activities.
• Makes effective use of discretionary time.
• Meets established productivity standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervision of rehabilitation technicians/aides, students and volunteers assigned to Physical Therapy, in accordance with practice act, regulatory and payor guidelines.

Competency:
To perform job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Compliant Clinical Practices-Delivers care in an ethical and legal manner.
• Competent Clinical Skills-Consistently performs tasks and procedures safely, correctly and effectively to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
• Communication-documentation is current, concise, meaningful, and legible. Able to read and interpret written information. Delivers clear verbal messages using appropriate grammar and tone.
• Interpersonal Skills-Maintains confidentiality. Keeps emotions under control.
• Customer Service-Manages difficult or emotional customer situations. Responds promptly to customer needs. Solicits customer feedback to improve service. Responds to requests for service and assistance. Meets commitments.
• Adaptability-Adapts to changes in the work environment. Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Teamwork-Bypasses personal wants, when needed, for the good of the whole. Shares in the work to achieve team goals. Supports projects and extra duties as needed. Once team decisions are made, supports them. Participates in giving feedback for performance review as requested.
• Delegation-Delegates work assignments. Matches the responsibility of the person. Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities. Provides recognition for results.
• Professionalism-Exhibits professional demeanor. Assesses own strengths and weaknesses. Pursues training and development opportunities. Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills. Shares expertise with others.
• Teaching and Learning Initiative-Teaches and supports other team members. Encourages team members to enhance competencies. Asks for and offers help when needed. Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities. Is active in learning and applying new skills. Keeps up to date on industry and professional trends.
• Time Management-Plans with the end in mind. Ensures clear priorities. Uses appropriate resources to clarify and resolve problems. Ensures deadlines are met. Is dependable.
• Attendance/Punctuality-Is consistently at work and on time. Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Prepares for Planned Absences-Takes responsibility for communicating and coordinating with peers to ensure continuous workflow during own absences. Completes paperwork and provides clear description of work requirements. Provides sufficient level of detail to ensure seamless coverage while absent.
• Quantity-Meets productivity standards. Completes work in a timely manner.
• Process Improvement-Recognizes and communicates the opportunity to improve. Analyzes problems and offers solutions using data. Voluntarily assumes or seeks additional responsibilities.