Physical Therapy Assistant

POSITION SUMMARY :

Responsible for the delivery of direct therapy services under the supervision of a Physical Therapist to help patients achieve a maximum level of functional independence.

Participates in an interdisciplinary approach for in servicing and community education and in the clinical education of affiliating students.

Potentially may be responsible for cross-site coverage.

EDUCATION / CERTIFICATION :

• Must be a graduate of an accredited program of Physical Therapy Assistant with a minimum of an Associate's Degree.
• Holds or is eligible for current Connecticut Physical Therapy Assistant license.

COMPETENCIES :

• This position requires an individual with strong communicative skills, both verbal and written and basic use of Microsoft Windows based programs requiring keyboard skills for use of department specific screens and programs.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel between multiple work sites; and travel is required in order to perform essential duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES :

Disclaimer : Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.

They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position.These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.

Job-Specific Competency

1.Treats patients with the appropriate and acceptable therapeutic exercises (strength, endurance, coordination, balance, and ROM).

2.Administers physical agents (modalities) and manual therapeutic technique to relieve pain and / or attain established goals as directed by the physical therapist.

3.Utilizes effective techniques to assist in normalizing motor activity and learning.

4.Educates patients / families in home exercise programs and / or functional activities in order to maximize independent functional activity.

5.Implements treatment plan as necessary and determines when a patient has achieved optimal benefit of treatment under the supervision of a physical therapist and the approval of the referring physician in order to maintain the quality of care.

6.Seeks and fosters interdepartmental communication and communication with the referring physician regarding patient care.

7.Performs all duties with proper body mechanics and safety to prevent injuries.

8.Documents in accordance to insurance guidelines and adheres to the department's policies and procedures.

9.Accurately and consistently fills out and submits charges daily.

10.Adheres to the professional code of ethics established by the APTA and the facility at all times.

11.Participates in at least one departmental / system in service or community in service.

12.Attends a continuing education course to further / improve treatment techniques.

13.Supervises at least one affiliated student per year.