JOB SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapy Assistant, under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, is responsible for providing ongoing treatments that are designed to improve the patient’s functional status in conjunction with the overall treatment objectives.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS:

Responsible to: Physical Therapist, Manager Rehab Service Line

Positions Directly Supervised: Rehabilitation Technician, Students, Volunteers

AGE OF POPULATION SERVED:

Pediatric to Geriatric

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following is a summary of the major essential functions of this job. The incumbent may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below; and specific functions may change from time to time. 

People:

•  Participates consistently in team meetings, reporting the results of assessments, interventions, and planning for the continued treatment and discharge of patients and families
• Acts as mentor and provides effective, positive guidance for students and other staff as requested
• Follows Alleghany Health Way standards of performance (STARS) at all times

Quality:

• Demonstrates knowledge/competency in all procedures required to perform

• Participates in treatment planning process, including discharge planning and regular evaluation and update of patient centered treatment plans
• Maintains record of observations as a basis for planning and implementing an appropriate physician ordered treatment program
• Maintains education and development appropriate for position. Provides staff in-services as requested.
• Adheres to established hospital, department, and state guidelines & protocols. Supports hospital mission, vision, and values
• Completes documentation accurately and timely, including but not limited to, daily notes, charges and time clock.
• Aware of Quality Improvement topics, provides input for continued improvement, collects and analyses data as assigned.

Service:

• Able to observe the needs of the patient and report those observations to the PT and/or team
• Performs treatment procedures delegated by the physical therapist, including group and individual therapy; modify and institute program changes as patient progresses within the established plan of care.
• Provides specific interventions in the areas of mobility including gait training, transfers, bed mobility, wheelchair activities, and balance.
• Provides or recommends equipment, orthotics, and/or prosthetics to enhance functional mobility

• Provides specific patient interventions based on diagnostic findings and patient’s functional focuses
• Under the direction of PT, adapts group and individual activities and goals to meet the needs of the patients.
• Provides activities to increase muscle function, range of motion, strength, endurance, prevent atrophy, minimize and prevent deformity
• Participates in patient teaching by working directly with the patient/family and the interdisciplinary team to identify and meet education needs.
• Demonstrates good skills in all forms of communication. Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.
• Demonstrates comfort with use of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce. Duration, Expectation, Thank you), Key Words at Key Times and other service excellence techniques to ensure optimal customer perception

Finance:

• Plans and conducts scheduled physical therapy group sessions/programs, and individual sessions as needed in accordance with the transdisciplinary treatment plan and daily priorities of patients and needs of the unit.
• Will utilize resources efficiently.

Growth:

• Offers and or implements new processes and ideas to improve care and service delivery.
• Represents Alleghany Health in a professional, positive manner in the community

QUALIFICATIONS:

The following qualifications, or equivalents, are the minimum requirements of this job:

Education and Formal Training: Licensed as a Physical Therapy Assistant in North Carolina

Work Experience:  Prefer a minimum of two years as a Physical Therapy Assistant, but new graduates are accepted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: Maintains a high level of mental and emotional tolerance and even temperament when dealing with ill people; uses tact, sensitivity, sound judgement, and a professional attitude when relating with patients, families, and co-workers at all times. Actively functions as a patient advocate. Must have thorough knowledge of all necessary patient treatment techniques and the operation and maintenance of all unit specific equipment. CPR certification is optional. General knowledge of fire, safety, disaster, and infection control policies and procedures is required. Demonstrates an ability to respond to changing workloads and performs in an accurate and precise manner in crisis and emergency situations when time is critical. 

EPIC experience preferred, not required.