Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for providing high quality patient care to patients of all ages in an efficient and thorough manner by assisting patients (while under the supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist) in regaining their highest level of function. Essential Duties and Responsibilities These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned. Utilize heat, cold, light, water, electricity, and therapeutic exercises to provide direct patient care Review patient treatment with a physical therapist on an ongoing basis and receive direction on methods of treatment after assessing patient progress through these discussions Decide the most efficient and best way to schedule the patient for each visit Monitor patient's condition and progress and brings concerns that may warrant modifications in treatment to the attention of the physical therapist Recognize barriers to the accomplishment of patient's goals Record patient's progress in the medical record Enter the appropriate charges for therapy into the computer system Record daily modality charges Progress notes must be made in a timely and efficient manner Reach daily productivity goals in accordance with national, state, and local averages Work with the Physical Therapist a minimum of every tenth visit to reassess each patient's needs Interact daily with inpatients, outpatients, and other members of the healthcare team to provide and coordinate total patient care Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-.services Support both inpatient and outpatient areas as needed Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care Supervisory Responsibilities Reports to: Director, Rehabilitation Services; may receive direction from a Physical Therapists Supervises: None Responsibilities: Not applicable Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and Experience Minimum Required Education: Degree from an accredited school offering a 2-year associate's program as a Physical Therapy Assistant Preferred Education: Not applicable Experience: Previous experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant is preferred, but will accept a new graduate who can achieve proficiency in six months Certificates. Licenses. Registrations Applicant must be licensed to work as a Physical Therapy Assistant, or be license eligible, in the Commonwealth of Virginia. BLS certification is required. Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: Continuous Learning - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; seeks feedback to improve performance; pursues training and development opportunities; strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; shares expertise with others. Job Knowledge - Competent in required job skills and knowledge; exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills; keeps abreast of current developments; requires minimal supervision; displays understanding of how job relates to others; uses resources effectively. Use of Technology - Demonstrates required skills; adapts to new technologies; troubleshoots technological problems; uses technology to increase productivity; keeps technical skills up to date. Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. Customer Service - Responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments. Communications - Exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods. Cooperation - Establishes and maintains effective relations; exhibits tact and consideration; offers assistance and support to co-workers; works cooperatively in group situations; works actively to resolve conflicts. Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; responds well to questions. Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone's efforts to succeed. Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Conflict Resolution - Encourages open communications; confronts difficult situations; maintains objectivity; keeps emotions under control; uses negotiation skills to resolve conflicts. Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources. Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce. Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values. Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity. Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. Achievement Focus - Sets and achieves challenging goals; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles; measures self against standard of excellence; recognizes and acts on opportunities; takes calculated risks to accomplish goals. Personal Appearance - Dresses appropriately for position; keeps self well groomed. Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. Initiative - Volunteers readily; undertakes self-development activities; seeks increased responsibilities; takes independent actions and calculated risks; looks for and takes advantage of opportunities; asks for and offers help when needed. Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention. Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment; supports and explains reasoning for decisions; includes appropriate people in decision-making process; makes timely decisions. Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently. Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; looks for ways to improve and promote quality; applies feedback to improve performance; monitors own work to ensure quality. Quantity - Meets productivity standards; completes work in timely manner; strives to increase productivity; works quickly. Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; reports potentially unsafe conditions; uses equipment and materials properly. Physical Demands & Work Environment The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Separate sheet documenting description of physical demands and working conditions must be included/attached as last page of the finalized job description.