Physical Therapy Assistant

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the supervising Physical Therapist the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) helps patients with rehabilitative activities and exercises outlined in a treatment plan developed in collaboration with an occupational therapist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Carries out components of treatment plans developed by the physical therapist. Monitors an individual’s activities to make sure that they are performed correctly and to provide encouragement. Assists in patient assessments, including: gathering additional patient information and perform basic physical assessments under the direction of the supervising physical therapists. Instructs patients and their caregivers on how to perform therapeutic exercises and activities safely and effectively at home to support their goals. Ensures that therapy equipment is clean, functional, and properly maintained. Assists patients in using adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and technology to enhance their independence and safety in daily activities.

Provides appropriate documentation of the patient’s progress for the physical therapist as well as for the medical records.

Assure that the documentation is appropriate for billing the patient’s health insurance provider.

Other duties as requested to support the overall effectiveness of the department and organizational performance in accordance with Curry Health Network’s Mission, Vision, and Shared Values.

SHARED VALUES

Service:           We serve with compassion and understanding.

Teamwork:     We are one team – each one of us makes a difference.

Curiosity:        We promote learning.

Integrity:         We live by honesty, trust, and doing the right thing by our organizational values.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Current unencumbered Oregon Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) license is required.


• BLS certification is required.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Have knowledge both of state practice act guidelines as well as Medicare guidelines and follow the guidelines in the delivery of patient care.


• Demonstrates understanding of interpreting an OT treatment plan and carrying it out with the patients.


• Must be able to work effectively as part of a team.


• Proficient computer skill including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required.


• The necessary knowledge and skills to care for the physical and developmental needs of the population age groups that will be receiving services.


• Ability to remain calm in emergency or crisis situations.


• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work with people in close situations, using excellent verbal communication and listening skills.


• Strong organizational and prioritization ability.


• Multitasking and time management is critical to performance of the role.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical Demands

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities:

Up to 1/3 of the time: taste or smell

From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: sit; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

Up 2/3 of the time and more: stand; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel; push/pull;                                                                 reach with hands and arms

This job requires that weight be lifted, or force be exerted as follows:

None of the time: up to or more than 100 pounds

From 1/3 to 1/2 of the time: up to 50 pounds

This job has special vision requirements as follows:

Close; distance; color; peripheral; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This job requires exposure to the following environmental conditions:

None of the time: extreme heat/cold; wet/humid; fumes/airborne particles; work with explosives; outdoor weather; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock

Up to 1/3 of the time: working near moving mechanical parts; vibration

The typical noise level for the work environment is: very quiet to moderate noise.

Hearing requirements: ability to hear alarms on equipment, patient call and instructions.

This job requires the following repetitive motion actions:

From 5 – 6 hours per day: repetitive use of foot control; grasping: simple/light & light/heavy; repetitive use of hands; fine dexterity