What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapy Assistant (DHWC) position at Methodist Healthcare Ministries?
Role Overview & Responsibilities
Position Summary
The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in an outpatient setting, supporting patients in regaining mobility, managing pain, and improving functional outcomes following injury or illness .
Scope and Impact
- Direct impact on patient recovery, functional mobility, and quality of life
- Supports interdisciplinary care team and contributes to patient treatment outcomes Works with diverse patient populations, including underserved communities
Decision Making Authority
- Operates under the direction of a Physical Therapist
- Exercises clinical judgment in progressing treatments within established care plans Escalates patient condition changes, reassessment needs, or treatment modifications to supervising Physical Therapist
Interactions / Working Relationships
- Internal: Physical Therapists, interdisciplinary healthcare team members, administrative staff
- External: Patients and their families/caregivers
- Frequent collaboration to coordinate care, communicate progress, and adjust treatment plans
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide physical therapy treatments in accordance with the Physical Therapist’s plan of care (30%)
- Perform therapeutic interventions including exercises, neuromuscular re-education, gait and stair training, manual therapy, and modalities (20%)
- Monitor and adjust treatments to support patient progress toward functional goals (10%)
- Communicate patient status, progress, and concerns to Physical Therapist and care team (10%)
- Assist in patient evaluations by collecting data (e.g., ROM, vitals, muscle testing) (5%)
- Educate patients and families on treatment plans, recovery, and use of assistive devices (10%)
- Fit and train patients on braces, prosthetics, and assistive equipment (5%)
- Complete accurate and timely documentation, including treatment notes and discharge summaries (5%)
- Maintain clinic operations through clerical duties (inventory, supplies, scheduling calls) (3%) Ensure compliance with Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners regulations and maintain a safe work environment (2%)
Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities
This position does not supervise others.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications (Required)
Education: Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program
Licenses/Certifications:
- Licensed by Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE)
- CPR certification required
Experience:
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with underserved populations or addressing health disparities
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Strong communication (verbal and written)
- Team collaboration and interpersonal effectiveness
- Problem-solving and adaptability Organizational skills and attention to detail
Language Skills
- Required: English (fluent)
- Preferred: Spanish (verbal proficiency)
Technology and Tools
- Electronic Medical Records (EMR/EHR systems)
- Standard clinical documentation tools
- Microsoft Office (preferred) Work Environment and Physical Demands
- Typical work setting (e.g., office, clinic, field, remote, hybrid)
- Travel expectations (if any) Physical requirements (e.g., standing, lifting, walking)
Work Environment and Physical Demands
- Clinical outpatient setting
- Frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, and pushing
- Occasional lifting/carrying (minimum 25 lbs; up to 50 lbs with assistance)
- Ability to perform patient transfers using proper body mechanics
- No regular travel required