Physical Therapy Assistant, JCH

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) will aid in a variety of patient care routines and perform components of physical therapy procedures and related tasks under the direction of a physical therapist. The PTA will work with other members of the rehabilitation team to implement the agreed-upon course of care for each patient. The physical therapy assistant will help in providing services that improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease in a variety of age groups to include: infant (birth to 1 year), Pediatric (1year to 12 years), Adolescence (13-17 years, Adult (18-64 years), and Geriatric (65 years and above).

RESPONSIBILITIES (ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS): Patient and family education/training, in addition to counseling individuals and families on ways to cope with functional impairments and disabilities. Helps develop and implement purposeful goals with supervising physical therapist. Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises and instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities under the direction of a licensed physical therapist.

Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens, giving normal growth and development information, and promoting wellness and health maintenance. Observes patients during treatments and compiles and evaluates data on patients’ responses to treatments and progress and reports verbally or in writing to the physical therapist. Maintains current state licensure by completing licensing board and state requirements.

Contributes to a physical therapist’s effectiveness by identifying patient care issues and administering treatment programs for patients. Complies with federal and state physical therapy regulations. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations, and adhering to infection-control policies and protocols Demonstrates understanding of the obligation to preserve the confidentiality of customer and staff health and financial information and circumstances.

Takes responsibility for care given to patient by support staff, which includes orienting, instructing, and directing work activities of students and aides. Completing administrative tasks including documenting billing information and keeping timely and accurate records of daily notes, treatment progress and any treatment plan notes as required by law and hospital policy and procedures. Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JACHO) standards.

Appropriately adapts assessment, treatment, and/or care methods to accommodate the physical, cultural, age-specific, and other developmental needs of each person served. Maintains professional and technical knowledge through continuing education opportunities including internal and external educational offerings. Utilization of assistive devices for lifting is mandatory.

Must adhere to safety protocols at all times. Per DRH policy, all required conditions of employment must be met and maintained including required vaccinations. This position requires respirator and fit testing.

Required testing will be performed on all team members at risk for exposure to airborne infectious diseases, droplet producing procedures, or any caustic chemicals. Implement DRH Standards of Behavior and exhibit behaviors consistent with DRH core values. Performs other related duties as assigned.