Physical Therapy Assistant

Description TITLE: Physical Therapy Assistant

Basic function

Under the supervision of the Director of Physical Therapy, the Physical Therapy Assistant shall provide all responsibilities necessary for the successful operation of the Physical Therapy Department for Arrowhead Orthopaedics.

Responsibilities

Work is primarily performed in the Physical Therapy Department front office located on the first floor of Seven Oaks Medical Plaza’s offices. There will be contact on a daily basis with confidential files pertaining to patients’ care, and the Physical Therapy Assistant must be able to handle this information with the highest degree of privacy, discretion, and professionalism. The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for accomplishing the duties set forth below:

• General Activities (There may be other duties required of this position not listed below): Contributes to physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physical therapy directives.
• Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying therapy histories.
• Assesses abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results.
• Documents patient care services in electronic medical record system.
• Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities; and in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; promoting wellness and health maintenance.
• Provides continuity of care by developing and implementing patient management plans.

Relationships

• The Physical Therapy
• Assistant should observe and conduct the following relationships: The employee shall be responsible directly to the Director of Physical Therapy. The employee shall report to the Director of Physical Therapy and his/her assignees any progress, reports, requests, concerns, problems, and/or expectations in relation to the responsibilities of the position. Such communication may be verbal or written as deemed necessary by the employee or as directed by the Director of Physical Therapy or his/her assignee. The employee shall interact with other office and clinical staff in the Practice. Such interactions should be collegial, professional, and contributing to the safety and pleasantness of the work environment at Arrowhead Orthopaedics. The employee shall interact with Doctors, licensed physical therapists, students conducting internships, physical therapy aids, and patients. Such communication should always reflect the total commitment of the office to quality care and customer satisfaction. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The Physical Therapist Assistant will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor and his/her assignees. Arrowhead Orthopaedics reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time. I acknowledge that I have received and read this job description.

Requirements

Skill Requirements: PTA license and CPR certification required. Skill in operating a computer as well as software programs, preferably Outlook and an Electronic Medical Record system. Proper phone etiquette and professional communication skills are required.

Typical Physical Demands

Requires sitting and walking, with daily stooping, reaching, and bending. Lifting up to thirty pounds. Hearing must be in the normal range for telephone and personal communication. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboards and other office equipment.