Physical Therapy Assistant (full-time)

Job Title: Physical Therapy Assistant

Department: Physical Therapy

Reports To: Director of Physical Performance

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Summary: Assists the physical therapist in providing treatment procedures and related tasks designated by the physical therapist and performing routine operational functions related to the operation of the Rehabilitation Services.

Job Results & Essential Function

• Carries out a program of therapeutic exercise and treatment procedures for assigned patients as selected and delegated by the supervising physical therapist.
• Under supervision administers physical therapy treatments and/or modalities as directed in the patient's plan of care, except for specialized procedures which are outside his/her expertise.
• With prior approval by the supervising physical therapist may adjust a specific treatment in accordance with changes in the patient's status.
• Instructs patients on segments of the program including proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, orthotics, and prosthetic appliances and devices.
• Maintains written progress notes on the patients assigned to him/her, both inpatient and outpatient.
• Carries out routine operational functions, including supervision of physical therapy aide.
• Maintains department policies, procedures, objectives, performance improvement program, safety, environmental, and infection control.
• Assists in the care and maintenance of department equipment and supplies.
• Attends meetings as required, participates in educational programs, in-service meetings, etc.
• Performs other duties as directed by the physical therapist and administration. The physical therapist assistant shall not perform the following physical therapy activities: interpretation of referrals, physical therapy initial evaluation and reevaluation, identification, determination or major modification of plans and goals of treatment; final discharge assessment/evaluation or establishment of discharge plan; or therapeutic techniques beyond the skill and knowledge of the physical therapy assistant.
• Responsible for understanding and adherence to the Code of Conduct and the Corporate Compliance Plan (CCP) at St. James Hospital.
• Participates in all educational requirements related to Corporate Compliance as required by the CCP education plan

Position Qualifications

Education & Experience - 

• An associate's degree in physical therapy from an accredited program is required

Licenses and/or Certifications

• NYS PTA certification
• Maintain valid CPR certification

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, and stoops for the majority of the day
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. and occasionally team lift weights up to 400 lbs. Physical efforts with patients having degrees of physical impairments.

Language Ability

• Ability to read, write and interpret documents in English such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific/trade/technical journals. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees, patients, and vendors.

Math Ability

• Basic math skills and competency in creating figures such as proportions, percentages, and/or ratios

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to work in an environment with medium and high levels of stress. In addition to solving practical problems while dealing with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work within PT department, including gym area, hallway, stairs, and office area. Also sees patient’s bedside inpatient rooms, possibly within other hospital departments ie. OR clinic, ambulatory surgery, emergency room, and any other hospital site where patient care is required.
• Potential exposures to chemicals and communicable diseases and related medical waste.
• May be required to use isolation techniques, will observe universal precautions, and may be exposed to cleaning chemicals.

This job description is a summary of the job duties and requirements that represent the general nature and level of work being performed. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. This description is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. All employees are expected to understand and adhere to the Standards/Code of Conduct and the Corporate Compliance Plan as well as ensure all educational requirements related to Corporate Compliance are implemented and adhered to as required by the CCP Education Plan, in addition to compliance with organizational policies and procedures, regulatory expectations, quality, and department standards, etc.