Position Summary

The Physical Therapist Assistant is responsible for assisting physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures. May, in accordance with state laws, assist in the development of treatment plans, carry out routine functions, document the progress of treatment, and modify specific treatments in accordance with patient status and within the scope of treatment plans established by a physical therapist.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Works under Physical Therapists to implement assigned treatment plans.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skill necessary to identify what activities are appropriate in accordance to the Physical Therapist plan and Physician referral.
• Effectively communicate information to patient, clinician, referring physicians, etc.
• Communicates effectively with Physical Therapists including the necessary information to patient responses, treatments and objective data documented in the EHR.
• Maintains the medical record for each patient and is knowledgeable regarding regulatory requirements.
• Instruct, motivate, safeguard, and assist patients as they practice exercises or functional activities.
• Observe patients during treatments to compile and evaluate data on their responses and progress and provide results to physical therapist in person or through progress notes.
• Works with referral and insurance sources to obtain information needed to file insurance claims, facilitate understanding with patients and to work within assigned benefits.
• Ensures a safe and clean physical environment.
• Ability to prepare summary upon patient discharge.
• Contact and schedule new patients, reschedule current patients and no-shows as needed.
• Transport patients to and from treatment areas, lifting and transferring them according to positioning requirements.
• Secure patients into or onto therapy equipment.
• Administer active or passive manual therapeutic exercises.
• Measure patients range-of-joint motion, body parts, or vital signs to determine effects of treatments or for patient evaluations.
• Monitor operation of equipment and record use of equipment and administration of treatment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work scheduled hours as defined in the job offer.
• Ability to exhibit emotional maturity.
• Ability to concentrate on details in a busy environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to delegate responsibilities to trained personnel.
• Ability to deal with the public effectively and patiently.
• Ability to speak clearly and understandably.
• Ability to create and maintain strong relationships with employees, referral sources and patients.
• Skill in supervision and work delegation.
• Skill in interpersonal communication.

Education / Training / Requirements

• High School degree or equivalent.
• Certification from an accredited physical therapy assistant program.
• Current licensure in VA as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Current CPR certification.
• Clinical Experience (Preferred, but not required).

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to climb or balance for limited periods of time.
• Ability to occasionally reach, bend, stoop and lift up to 30 lbs. *
• Ability to grasp and hold up to 25 lbs.*
• Ability to hear normal voice level communications in person or through the telephone.
• Ability to speak clearly and understandably.
• Ability to smell.

Success Factors

• Alignment with Company Mission and Core Values
• Excellent Time Management/Organized
• Open Communication/Positive
• Goal Driven
• Excellent Customer Service
• Juggles Multiple Priorities
• Accuracy and Attention to Detail
• Accomplished in word processing and worksheet utilization

All statements are essential functions of the position unless identified as non-essential by an asterisk (*).