Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Title: Physical Therapy Assistant

Department: Rehabilitation Services 

Reports To: Director of Rehabilitation Services 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Hours: 20/week 

Shift: Days, with rotating weekend coverage

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible to the Director of Rehab Services or the designated Site Leader for assisting the physical therapist in administering a medically prescribed physical therapy program for assigned patients/clients. Functions under the general supervision of the physical therapist responsible for a specific patient’s/client’s care, as defined by the State of Idaho. This position is deemed safety-sensitive and will adhere to all policies associated with this designation. The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this job.

• Assumes the responsibility and accountability for providing physical therapy modalities and treatment procedures as determined by a treatment plan of care established by a physical therapist
• Maintaining the highest degree of quality care.  
• Works cooperatively with other patient care team personnel to maintain standards of professional physical therapy practice and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• May be assigned to orient staff and students
• Participates in performance improvement and supports program development activities, which include providing input into the budgetary planning process, contributing to the cost-effectiveness of services, and maintaining positive relations with all customers
• Participate in special department/clinic functions as assigned by site leadership 
• Provides patient/client care in accordance with established practice standards and facility/departmental policies
• Provides care per the physician’s orders and plan of care developed by the physical therapist
• Takes measurements of patient/client 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 physical therapist to promote maximum benefits from therapy 
• Summarizes patient performance according to established goals
• Implements an 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 the plan for discharge and discusses with the evaluating therapist any additional discharge concerns that may arise
• Assists the 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 settings and patient/client populations served
• Displays appropriate technical knowledge and application of available modalities and other equipment
• Completes documentation within 48 hours of visit
• Timely documentation, according to the current Franklin County Medical Center’s Timely Documentation Protocol, is required
• Maintain confidentiality by protecting sensitive, proprietary, or confidential information.  Adhere to HIPAA privacy and security requirements
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols
• Must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required to maintain Infection Control Standards as set by the facility
• Performs other related duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduated from an Accredited Physical Therapy Assistant Program
• Licensed in the State of Idaho
• 1 year of experience, preferred
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

• Regular and predictable attendance
• Expected to lift and utilize a full range of movement to transfer patients. Will also bend to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment. Typically includes items of varying weights, up to and including heavy items or patients
• Regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger; handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, or twist
• This job's specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Need to walk and assist with transporting/ambulating patients, as well as obtaining and distributing supplies and equipment. This includes pushing/pulling gurneys and portable equipment, including heavy items or patients
• Often required to navigate crowded and busy rooms (full of equipment, power cords on the floor, etc.)
• May be expected to stand in a stationary position for an extended time
• Must be able to access and navigate throughout the department within the organization's facilities
• Ongoing need for the employee to see and read information labels, assess patient needs, operate monitors, and identify/operate equipment and supplies
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. This includes frequent computer use and typing to document patient care, access necessary information, and perform related tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• FCMC operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The operational needs of your department may require you to be available to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays, to meet patient needs.
• Potential exposure to blood, body tissue, fluids, contagious diseases, and hazardous waste.
• Occasional exposure to bodily injury, loud/unpleasant noise, unpleasant odor, and emotional or physical stress.  
• May be required to work day or night in a confined environment or in varying temperatures. 
• May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset patients and other individuals.
• The employee works in the hospital setting.
• May be required to travel to other facilities to obtain training/certification as necessary.