PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) implements therapeutic programs under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, which include therapeutic exercise, gait training, and other activities of physical therapy.

JOB DUTIES/ KNOWLEDGE:

1. Coordinates and collaborates with the Physical Therapist and the Rehab Director to ensure integration of the therapeutic program in the plan of care.
2. Guides and teaches the patient in techniques, exercises, or precautions designed to improve range of motion, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, or functional ability in accordance with instruction from the supervising Physical Therapist as approved by the physician.
3. Observes, records, and reports the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in the patient’s condition or treatment. Documents the extent of the patient’s involvement in the decision affecting his/her care.
4. Participates in patient case conferences to coordinate the patient’s plan of care and promote positive therapeutic outcome.
5. Report patient complaints of pain or sickness, and unusual reactions to treatment to the Physical Therapist and Coordinator.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Sight and hearing sufficient to comprehend written and verbal communication, ability to work a minimum of eight (8) hours per day while driving, standing, sitting, assisting patients movement, writing, and speaking.

JOB PERFORMANCE:

Demonstrates initiative and skills in planning and organizing work

1. Demonstrates a desire to set and meet objectives and to find increasingly efficient ways to perform tasks.
2. Completes work, care and documentation with accuracy within agency time frames.
3. Requires minimal supervision and is self-directed.

MISSION/ AGENCY STANDARDS:

Demonstrates organizational awareness and commitment

1. Understands and appropriately applies the chain of command in relation to job position and supervision.
2. Knows and understands the agency mission in relation to own job position.

Observes confidentiality policy at all times

1. Protects and honors customer and coworker confidentiality.
2. Respects customers’ and coworkers’ right to privacy.

Observes attendance and attire polices

1. Meets attendance and punctuality expectations.
2. Demonstrates cooperation with requests to meet agency needs.
3. Consistently adheres to agency dress code.

Complies with all other related policies, procedures and requests

1. Recommends and/ or supports changes to policies and procedures.
2. Demonstrates knowledge of policies and procedures applicable to own job positon.
3. Adheres to policies and procedures. Honors requests of management for interim rules.

Conserves agency resources

1. Maintains agency property, supplies and equipment in a manner that demonstrates ownership and accountability.
2. Maintains the work area to reduce the likelihood for safety hazards and to enhance its general appearance.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Demonstrates interpersonal understanding and utilizes effective communication skills

1. Considers effects of words and actions on others.

1. Utilizes listening skills that indicate understanding and promote accurate interpretation of others’ concerns, motivations and feelings.

1. Recognizes the influence of beliefs and cultures on behaviors and accepts strengths and limitations in others.

1. Works toward resolution of interpersonal conflicts as they arise.

1. Recognizes when others are in need of information, assistance or direction and consistently offers and provides help.

1. Attends and participates positively in meetings.

1. Regularly reads and appropriately applies information to practice.

1. Uses words that express respect, patience and understanding in interactions with others.

1. Acknowledges other verbally and nonverbal (eye contact, expression, tone of voice) promptly and courteously.

1. Follows appropriate phone etiquette.

Exhibits behaviors of cooperation

1. Develops cooperation and collaborative work efforts that in general benefits all involved parties.

1. Demonstrates the initiative to meet the needs of the agency by assisting coworkers when load permits.

PERSONAL/ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Continuing education and personal/ professional development responsibilities

1. Maintains personal health status requirement in relation to job position

1. Maintains professional licensure/ certification (if applicable).

1. Maintains current personnel file information and provides information to agency in timely manner.

1. Sets own development challenges and volunteers to learn.

1. Assists with orientation of new personnel.

1. Adheres to agency infection control and safety polices, including education, reporting, and practice implementation specific to job position.

1. Attends agency provided in-service programs to fulfill requirements of position and agency polices.

Exhibits adaptability, flexibility, self-control and maturity in work and behavior

1. Maintains stable performance and emotions when faced with opposition, pressure and/ or stressful conditions.

1. Develops work relationships that honor and respect others’ strengths and abilities.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE:

Service Excellence 50% of yearly evaluation

1. Shows courtesy, compassion and respect.

1. Communicates with all individuals appropriately, while maintaining confidentiality.

1. Contributes to teamwork, and harmonious working relationships.

1. Supports and demonstrates continuous improvement of quality and service.

1. Shares ideas and suggestions.

1. Participates in projects.

1. Participates in problem solving.

1. Reports problems, unusual events appropriately.

1. Demonstrates behavior that promotes professionalism and self-development.

1. Participates in educational programs/ seminars.

1. Promotes cost consciousness.

1. Displays professional appearance.

1. Promotes professional environment, including emphasis on cleanliness and safety.

PROBLEM SOLVING:

Exhibit critical thinking abilities and applies them for continuous improvement of services and the agency

1. Uses own knowledge and experience base and other resources as necessary to make logical decisions and solve problems.

1. Continuously analyze work process and makes suggestions for improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Graduate of a two year college level curriculum in Physical Therapy Association accredited/ approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.

1. Current licensed by the state of Texas to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

1. Two year experience in home health setting preferred.

DEGRESS OF TRAVEL:

Must have a car with current insurance coverage and a State driver’s license.

DEGRESS OF DISRUPTION TO ROUTINE, OVERTIME:

Must be able to adapt to client status and needs as directed. Schedule changes daily due to client condition and needs, new clients, etc.

SAFETY HAZARDS IN JOB:

Possible infections from clients, auto accident, unsafe neighborhoods.