Physical Therapy Assistant

## Description

**POSITION SUMMARY:**

Under the direction of the Director of Physical Therapy or other licensed Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is responsible for providing physical therapy to patients at MMC.

***This position description is intended to identify some of the duties and responsibilities of this position. MODOC MEDICAL CENTER reserves the right to modify, supplement, delete or augment the duties and responsibilities specified in this position description, at MODOC MEDICAL CENTER’S sole and absolute discretion.***

**POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:**

General Competencies

1. Always demonstrates a professional behavior, both when on duty and as a representative of the hospital outside of normal work hours.
2. Always demonstrates a positive working relationship with patients, visitors and facility staff. Respectfully to managers and supervisors.
3. Demonstrates organizational ability and time management skills.
4. Produces deliverable products on time, within budget with minimal direction.
5. Demonstrates the ability to compile and organize data using Microsoft Office Applications. Ability to make appropriate recommendations or conclusions, given the data obtained.
6. Maintains an organized set of records, delivers records immediately upon request, for the functions that are performed within the scope of this job.
7. Communicates appropriately, respectfully, and clearly to directors, managers, and coworkers. Accepts direction as provided within the chain of command.
8. Perform assigned tasks accurately and in a timely manner.
9. Takes direction from others to include those employees of other departments with which he/she works on a temporary basis in accordance with the chain of command.
10. Demonstrates ability to effectively use office machines in the performance of job functions.
11. Answers phone calls and forwards appropriately if necessary, in a professional and friendly manner. Assists in front office when needed, registers and schedules patients accordingly.
12. Performs other duties as assigned per department guidelines.

Specific Competencies

1. Provides treatment as directed by the primary Physical Therapist and communicates immediately if the treatment plan might need to be changed.
2. Observes, evaluates and documents the effect of each treatment. Efficiently communicates the effects verbally and written.
3. Maintains an organized patient record that is legible and includes objective findings. All chart entries are timed and dated.
4. Maintains a treatment environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of healthcare related errors.
5. Maintains department cleanliness. Cleans hands before and after patient contact.
6. Demonstrates safe and effective use of all modalities and procedures utilized in the clinic.
7. Interacts professionally with patients and families and includes them in the plan of care.
8. Works cooperatively with other staff, creating a team approach to patient care.
9. Organizational ability and time management demonstrated through effective patient scheduling and completion of patient charting per clinic practice and policy.
10. Communicates appropriately, respectfully, and clearly to physicians, directors, managers, and coworkers. Accepts direction as provided within the chain of command.
11. Works with patients and families in a manner that ensure effective treatment strategies are identified and utilized per learning needs and levels.
12. Demonstrates safe and effective use of physical therapy modalities used at Modoc Medical Center including various forms of spinal traction, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, diathermy and infra-red light.
13. Demonstrates safe and effective use of physical therapy procedures including, but not limited to therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization, gait training, neuromuscular re-education, orthotic/prosthetic training, taping.
14. Works within the guidelines of the California State Practice Act.
15. Performs other duties as assigned by management team.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Maintains PTA license without any lapses.
2. Maintains BCLS certification without any lapses.
3. Stays updated and current with Physical Therapy practice through independent study, continuing education, and staff development opportunities.
4. Participates in quality improvement projects.
5. Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and professional.
6. Completes annual education requirements.
7. Maintains regulatory requirements.
8. Wears identification while on duty.
9. Attends annual evaluation and participates actively in this process.
10. Reports to work on time as scheduled; completes work in designated time.
11. Attend all meetings as assigned by the management team and Director.
12. Exhibits the mission, ethics and goals of Modoc Medical Center in the performance of job duties.

**WORKING CONDITIONS:**

1. Willingness to work beyond normal working hours.
2. Is involved with personnel, visitors, and government agencies, etc., when necessary.
3. Demonstrates a good sense of independence, personal integrity, flexibility and the capacity to work effectively with other personnel, clients and support agencies.

**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:**

1. Sits, stands, bends, lifts, walks and moves intermittently during working hours.
2. Able to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance.

## Qualifications
**POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:**

1. Graduate of an APTA approved Physical Therapist Assistant Program and licensed by the State of California to provide PTA services.
2. PTAs with special interests and experience in acute care, skilled nursing rehab, or out-patient physical therapy desired.
3. Demonstrates proficiency in performing physical therapy procedures and modalities and in assessing the effects of these.
4. Ability to work with others, at all levels within the organization, and collaborate effectively.
5. Exhibits strong interpersonal and problem-solving strategies, as well as effective written and oral communication skills.
6. Collaborates well with other departments, confidential of sensitive data, respectful of all other staff members, considerate of other people’s time, and accountable for work output.