Physical Therapy Assistant (Mobility Coach) - ASC

Missoula Bone & Joint Job Description

Mobility Coach

Duties and

Responsibilities

Duties and

responsibilities,

continued

1. Philosophy

• Supports the facility’s ideology, mission, vision, goals, and objectives
• Performs in accordance with the facility’s policies and procedures
• Follows the facility’s standards for ethical business conduct
• Recognizes patients’ rights and responsibilities and supports them in performance of job duties
• Participates in facility committees, meetings, in-services, and activities
• Seeks out additional assignments and duties

2. Work Quality

• Performs duties in an accurate and organized manner
• Adheres to policies and procedures in performance of duties
• Ensures knowledge of job and asks questions when unsure
• Completes duties within appropriate timeframes

3. Personal Attributes

• Shows initiative and dependability including punctuality and attendance
• Displays good judgment
• Cooperates and is flexible
• Follows appropriate dress code presenting a professional image

4. Customer Service

• Fosters a culture of outstanding patient service showing courtesy in interactions with patients, physicians and co-workers
• Presents good telephone skills
• Responds promptly to patient needs and co-worker requests

5. Communication and Teamwork

• Expected to be a positive and responsible team leader with a good attitude
• Presents good oral and written communication (documentation) skills
• Participates in team building activities and scheduled plans.

• Professional Competence

• Participates in continuing education and other learning experiences
• Shares knowledge gained in continuing education with staff
• Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities
• Welcomes suggestions and recommendations

• Mobility Coach Duties

• The Mobility Coach is stationed at the Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) and collaborates with the nursing staff and physicians to provide care for post-operative patients in an acute setting/23-hour stay. The Mobility Coach provides a variety of different services including but not limited to:

~gait training

~home exercise program (HEP) instruction

~DME fitting and education

~post-operative education

~education on mobility and safety within patients’ home and vehicle upon discharge

• Communicate with nursing staff to establish patient discharge priorities and status
• Review patient chart to ensure thorough understanding of procedure, restrictions, and other surgical notes
• General knowledge of medical equipment in an acute care setting such as IV’s, O2, and vital machines
• Knowledge of storage areas for equipment, linens, commodes, and other miscellaneous items
• Assess patient safety and ability to perform required tasks such as bed mobility, transitions, ambulation, and toileting; using gait belt for safety
• Educate patients on home exercise programs and demonstrate thorough knowledge of physician preferences

• Provide education on post-operative expectations with comprehensive understanding of post-operative protocols and various surgical procedures
• Knowledge of rehabilitation techniques for various injuries, especially total joint replacements
• Knowledge of fitting DME including: CPM, immobilizers, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs
• Instruct and educate patient and/or family members in treatment, activities, and home care
• Provide education to patients and family members regarding post-op care as well as safe mobility within the home including education on stair navigation, sleeping positions and ADL’s
• Work directly with patient on ADLs such as toileting and dressing within post-operative precautions
• Communicate with physicians, physician assistants, nurses, and various other provider staff to ensure safe transition home
• Document each patient visit within patient’s chart, and fill out DME forms as needed
• Provide any necessary assistance to nursing staff in order to provide comprehensive care for each patient
• Communicate with physical therapy department if other equipment is needed for patient education
• Clean/sanitize communal equipment such as stairs, hand rails, and chairs following patient use and training
• Attend department meetings as needed
• Teach total joint education classes

Required

• BS or MS degree or Certificate in Physical Therapy from an APTA-accredited education program or graduated from a PTA program
• Hold a current Montana PT or PTA license.
• Effective communication skills
• Strong ethical and moral character references
• Willingness to support and encourage co-workers
• BLS

Preferred

• Minimum of one year clinical experience as a practicing Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant

• Advanced orthopedic skills
• Knowledge of policies, regulations, requirements of clinic and regulators

Working conditions

(environmental)