To treat patients in a physical and mental capacity, to improve their strength, endurance, mobility and discomfort from injury or disease.
JOB TITLE: Physical Therapist AssistantDEPARTMENT: Rehabilitation ServicesREPORTS TO: Program ManagerJOB SUMMARYTo treat patients in a physical and mental capacity, to improve their strength, endurance, mobility and discomfort from injury or disease.The intent of this job description is to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.WORK SUMMARYJOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Treat patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Documentation of patient treatment and progress on the medical record. Demonstrates competency in the assessment, range of treatment and knowledge of growth and development appropriate to the age of the patient treated (neonate, pediatric, adolescent or geriatric). Complies with all departmental and hospital policies regarding dress code, safety, attendance and confidentiality. Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information. Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements. Demonstrates/models the Networks Service Excellence Standards of Performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external). Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety. Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices. Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.OTHER FUNCTIONS: Accurately bills patients account for services rendered. Accepts responsibility for patient scheduling as assigned. Provides inservices to department staff and other ancillary departments at least at least once a year. Cleans and maintains equipment. Maintains and orders department inventory. Participates in department quality improvement process and planning of the department. Assist in program development and implementation. Attends department and multidisciplinary meetings 90% of the time. Other related duties as assigned. Supervises PTA students when eligible, volunteers and observers.PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:Must be able to sit for up to ninety minutes at a time. Be able to tolerate standing for thirty to forty-five minutes consecutively and be able to walk on level surfaces, stairs, carpeted surfaces, ramps for up to thirty minutes consecutively.Must be able to use hand/fingers to manipulate dials on machines. Must have the ability to life/move up to 200lbs. push/pull patients weighing up to 200lbs. Must have the ability to occasionally stoop, bend, squat, crouch, kneel and reach above shoulder level. Must be capable of tactile sensation as it relates to feeling for muscle spasms, texture and skin temperature. Must have the ability to hear as it relates to normal conversation and ability to hear call bells. Must be capable of seeing as it relates to general vision, depth perception and peripheral vision.POTENTIAL ON THE JOB RISK:Biological hazards. Protective gowns, masks and gloves are available.Employees who work in patient care areas where they may have potential exposure to patients with suspected or proven tuberculosis (TB) must have the ability to wear a particulate respirator and be fit-tested in compliance with the current recommendations from the CDC (enforced by OSHA) or must provide physician documentation as to the inability to wear a particulate respirator.MOST COMPLEX DUTY IS:Patient treatment.SUPERVISION: (Received and /or given)Ongoing direct supervision by a licensed physical therapist. May supervise PTA students, aides, volunteers or support personnel.COMMUNICATION:To various professional and non-professional groups including physicians, hospital personnel, patients, and families.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:As assigned. Can include speaking at public functions and to future PTA students.QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION:High school diploma or equivalent and graduate of a certified physical therapist assistant program required.TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:Successful completion of certified physical therapist assistant program and affiliations.WORK SCHEDULE:Day shift 40 hours per week, with varying hours based on the needs of the department.OTHER:Registration with the state of Pennsylvania. Current CPR certification.