Physical Therapy Assistant

TITLE: PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

DEPARTMENT: MEDICAL

SUPERVISOR: PHYSICAL THERAPIST

CLASSIFICATION: FULL TIME NON-EXEMPT

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Physical Therapy Assistant works under the direction and supervision of Physical Therapist. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain. The Physical Therapy Assistant is involved in the direct care of patients.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting the patient’s status and reporting it to a physical therapist
• Help patients do specific exercises as part of the plan of care
• Treat patients using a variety of techniques, such as massage and stretching
• Use devices and equipment, such as walkers, to help patients
• Educate patients and family members about what to do after treatment
• Under the direction and supervision of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants treat patients through exercise, massage, gait and balance training, and other therapeutic interventions
• Record patients’ progress and report the results of each treatment to the physical therapist

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Associate’s degree from an accredited program and a CA Physical Therapy Assistant License to practice.

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred.

Previous experience in a healthcare environment will be advantageous.

Proficiency in office software, such as MS Word, Excel, and Outlook Express.

Exceptional organizational and time management skills.

Superb interpersonal, communication, and collaboration abilities.

Keen attention to detail and a caring nature.

Ability to perform tasks that require physical strength.

All LCTHC employees are expected to:

• Provide the highest possible level of service to clients;
• Promote teamwork and cooperative effort among employees;
• Maintain safe practices; and
• Abide by the LCTHC policies and procedures as they may from time to time be updated.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Sitting / Mobility: Approximately 20% of time is spent working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 80%) is spent moving around work areas. Communication: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, patients and members of outside agencies, in person, by telephone, and by email. Vision: Ability to view x-ray, medical records, effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos, and other appropriate paperwork. Lifting / Carrying: Ability to occasionally lift and/or move objects weighing up to 60 pounds. Stooping / Kneeling: Ability to provide patient care, access files/stock supplies in low cabinets and shelves. Reaching / Handling: Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms, input information into computer systems and retrieve and work with appropriate paperwork, equipment, and supplies. Use of standard medical instruments and equipment, including x-ray, office equipment, computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and fax. Work is performed in a medical office/clinic environment; continuous contact with other staff and the public.

INDIAN PREFERENCE: Preference may be given to qualified Native American Indians according to the Indian Preference Hiring Act, CFR 25 USC 472. Other than Indian Preference, Lake County Tribal Health Consortium, Inc. adheres to all provisions of the Equal Employment Opportunities Act.

NOTICE OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE ACT REQUIREMENT: LCTHC is committed to maintaining a drug free and alcohol free workplace. LCTHC believes that a healthy, productive workforce free from the effects of drugs is very important to all employees and patients. Substance abuse is incompatible with the health, safety, efficiency and the success of LCTHC. Employees who are under the influence compromise LCTHC’S interests, endanger their own and the health and safety of others and can cause a number of other work-related problems. As a condition of employment, each applicant receiving a job offer from LCTHC must take and pass a required drug screen test.

HIPAA Health Insurance Portability and Accountability:

This act was enacted to deal with three main areas with regard to patient information.

Security of health information

Standards of electronic transactions

Privacy of individually identifiable health information