Physical Therapist Assistant, Physical Therapy Department, FT & PT

JOB SUMMARY

The Physical Therapist Assistant is responsible for delivering quality care to help patients attain maximum functional level.  Care will be provided to patients of all ages from neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult to geriatric.  The therapist needs to demonstrate knowledge in caring for orthopedic and neurological involved patients.  The Physical Therapist Assistant is responsible for supervising Physical Therapist Assistant students.  Responsible for being knowledgeable of standard of practice for the practice of Physical Therapy in an outpatient, inpatient and acute inpatient rehabilitation setting and regulations established by the payers.

Demonstrates critical thinking to assure the delivery of safe, quality care to adolescents, adult and geriatric clients.  Responsible for excelling in courteous and respectful customer service at all times to every customer. Assures the safety of all customers. Effectively communicates with all customers. Effectively communicates & collaborates with other healthcare team members and between intra/inter departments, adheres to organizational policy and procedures, abides by regulatory/accrediting body requirements and professional practice standards. Assists with the daily operations and collecting statistics within the medical fitness center. Responsible for completing in a timely manner, all assigned tasks and duties utilizing multi-tasking skills.  Responsible for assuring confidentiality of customer information and departmental information

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the Physical Therapy services current trends, roles and scope of practice and standard of care in a healthcare and medical fitness setting.
• Knowledge of and skill in using the instrumentation / equipment for patients such as but not limited; to multiple exercise equipment for strengthening and aerobic conditioning, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, free weights, bands and balls, BMI instrumentation, weight scale and medical rehabilitation equipment and supplies.

• Demonstration of general knowledge of the principles and practices of appropriate positive customer service in a rehabilitation setting in a healthcare setting.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with all customers. 
• Demonstration of proper phone etiquette
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication, presenting facts and recommendations,
• Demonstrates effective problem solving, decision making, interpersonal and team work skills.
• Demonstrates proficient time management and organizational skills and ability to perform multiple tasks throughout the workday.
• Ability to understand hospital functions and organizational dynamics.
• Ability to assist with managing costs to respond to changing financial requirements.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE

• Application of all physical modalities utilized in the clinic including but not limited to heat and cold modalities, electrical stimulation, traction, along with strengthening, flexibility, stability and aerobic conditioning equipment, and functional evaluation tools.
• Various evaluation and therapeutic tools/equipment for delivering care.

• Computer with Windows-based programs
• Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook)
• Hospital Information System
• Department(s) specific electronic/web based health information systems/ Fitness Management Software
• Various miscellaneous office supplies: Copier/Fax/Printer/Shredder/Scanner/Calculator
• Various miscellaneous software/date collection programs/ applications
• Pool equipment/ chemicals

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Treats patients according to the established plan of care an assessing progress and making appropriate clinical adjustments to meet the need of the patient and their recovery.
• Delivers quality care to help patients attain maximum functional level. 
• Communicates to the evaluating Physical Therapist any concerns regarding the patients response to the current plan of care and makes adjustments as indicated in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge of department specific EMR program creating evidence based functional measures in each plan of care.
• Demonstrates knowledge in caring for orthopedic and neurological involved patients.
• Records proper charging of patient treatments. 
• Assumes responsibility for supervising Physical Therapist Assistant students while delegating responsibilities appropriately. 
• Educates patients and their caregivers regarding diagnosis, plan of care and established goals.
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with team members, physicians and their office staff, and other healthcare providers to coordinate patient plan of care.
• Maintains patient records accurately with documentation of all aspects of the care delivered.

EMPLOYMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports the mission, values and vision of the organization and the department.
• Assumes responsibility, accountability and understanding for individual knowledge, skills, performance, and behavior in accordance with hospital, division, and department standards of care and policies and procedures with special attention to attendance and punctuality, confidentiality, dress code and display of ID badge, and safety.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and takes the initiative to implement effective changes.
• Maintains applicable certification and/or licensure.
• Successfully completes mandatory education and proficiencies/ competencies training in order to maintain organization and department specific competencies and requirements. 
• Actively participates in departmental meetings, committees and departmental strategic plan initiatives, educational programs and mandatory in-services.
• Complies with all Joint Commission rules and regulations.
• Complies with all rules and regulations and professional conduct standards and presents a professional image.
• Demonstrates knowledge of disaster/emergency procedures and responds appropriately.
• Utilizes measures to promote and maintain all customer’s personnel safety.
• Maintains patient, fitness clients, employee, physician, and organization confidentiality, respects the rights, privacy and property of others. 
• Assures that patient and fitness client’s information is maintained in confidential manner and complies with HIPPA regulations.
• Communicates effectively with all entities that are integrated with the medical fitness center.
• Answers telephone and returns voice mail messages daily.
• Effective and timely communication with inter and intra departments and all other customers.
• Timely communication with department leadership regarding departmental or customer issues and assists as appropriate.
• Interacts with all customers, including co-workers in a courteous and respectful manner
• Assists staff with conflict resolution by providing guidance and support.
• Assists director with problem solving operational issues.
• Participates in identification, development, and follow through of continuous quality improvement measures.
• Demonstrates ability to multi-task and prioritize work maintaining accuracy of work within established times frames.
• Collection of data in order to assist director with strategic planning of department as well as the daily flow and growth of operations.
• Assists with control of costs through the judicious use of human and material resources.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform tasks that are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job.
• Demonstrates and maintains professional/personal growth/development for self to ensure current and appropriate knowledge base for area(s) of responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.