Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

JOB SUMMARY: The Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for the provision of direct and indirect physical therapy services to the children and young adults residing at St. Mary’s Home and the Albero House. The LPTA shall work under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist as per professional guidelines. Must work assigned evenings, weekends, and holidays. Non-therapeutic duties will be assigned.

DEFINITIONS:

PT: Physical Therapy/Therapist

DSP: Direct Service Professional

LPTA: Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

APTA: American Physical Therapy Association

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Care:

• Assists the Physical Therapist to implement therapy and positioning programs and provides appropriate care for each child on the LPTA’s caseload. 
• Communicates with physical therapist on regular basis regarding status and progress of residents on LPTA’s caseload.
• The LPTA will function as an active member of the trans-disciplinary team in implementing a comprehensive therapeutic program through direct care and consult with staff regarding residents PT goals and positioning program.
• Attends and participates in annual and quarterly ISP meetings, IDT meetings, unit meetings, and additional meetings as required. 
• Collects data on residents such as ROM and results of outcome measures. 
• Participates in building wide positioning program for any/all residents as needed.

Indirect Care:

• Participates in orthopedic rounds, physiatry rounds, Botox injection clinics, and wheelchair clinics and provides information for medical personnel as necessary, in communication with PT, and is able to run the various clinics.
• Completes paperwork and appointment scheduling for clinics as need arises.
• Is able to run all aspects of PT portion of general orientation and other assigned trainings.
• Creates presentations for orientation, creates presentations to give to PT department and other staff, and creates various flyers, handouts and other materials for educational and informational purposes.
• Communicates (in person, by email, and over the phone) with parents and guardians of residents on a regular basis.
• Maintains and updates therapy equipment and distributes as necessary.  
• Provides staff in-servicing, i.e., lifting, positioning, active treatment, etc. on 1-on-1/or group basis.
• Supports DSPs with active treatment for residents.
• Documents therapy services per St. Mary’s guidelines (per APTA and Medicaid).
• Participates in maintaining a clean, orderly, and safe PT department space.
• Uses universal precautions and participates in infection control building wide.
• Supervises PT Technicians and volunteers according to APTA guidelines.
• Participates in student affiliations for PTA and PT students. Supervises students as recommended by APTA and affiliating schools’ guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned. These may include, but are not limited to, clerical and housekeeping duties.

CONDUCT

• Demonstrate kindness, patience, and compassion when working with staff, residents, and visitors.
• Collaborate effectively with all team members, maintaining a positive, respectful attitude.
• Approach challenges with creativity and a commitment to fostering a fun, engaging environment.
• Consistently uphold the standards of the organization by following all policies and procedures.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to sit, stand and walk for variable lengths of time.
• Must be able to lift up to fifty (50) pounds independently.
• Will use proper equipment/procedures to safely lift and/or reposition residents.
• Has personal characteristics necessary to work with individuals with disabilities.  
• Must possess communication skills necessary for interacting with residents, other therapists, nursing personnel, teachers, physicians, parents, and others.
• Must be physically able to carry out daily therapy programs for individuals with disabilities including lifting and transporting non-ambulatory individuals.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE:

• Licensed or license pending from the VA State Board of Physical Therapy.
• Graduate of an accredited school of Physical Therapist Assistants.