Physical Therapy Assistant

Overview

The Therapist Assistant (OTA/PTA), under the supervision of a Physical or Occupational Therapist, Manager and the department Director, provides direct patient care for inpatients and outpatients by utilizing appropriate knowledge and skills in collaboration with other members of the health care team. A Therapist Assistant must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served. S/he is expected to carry out programs of corrective exercises and treatments for assigned patients, as determined by evaluation performed by a Therapist. This employee is responsible for the health and safety of the patients in his/her care. This employee maintains department records, reports and files as required.

Responsibilities

Patient Care
* Reviews patient's history and appropriate data prior to initiating treatment.

* Collaborates with therapist in patient treatments and plan of care.

* Assists patients and families in planning for discharge.

Care Management
* Attends and actively participates in patient team conferences and family conferences.

* Collaborates patient needs with therapist for follow up care and assist in post-discharge recommendations.

Documentation
* Documents within EMR and charting accurately reflects a logical flow between data collected, action taken, and patients response to the action.

* Plans specific measures to meet assessed learning needs and documents in patient record.

* Presents information clearly and in a manner appropriate to the level of patient and family understanding.

* Documents implementation of the treatment plan and evaluates and records patient responses to the treatment sessions.

* Participates in the development of individual discharge plans that are responsive to patient/family concerns.

* Collaborates with evaluating therapist to revise/update plan based on assessment.

Education
* Acts as a resource person to peers within the rehabilitation department, fielding questions, mentoring, or providing educational opportunities.

* Acts as a liaison/partners with other educational institutions/groups/organizations to enhance professional development.

* Attends Quarterly Retreats.

Compliance/Safety
* Responsible for reporting any safety-related incident in a timely fashion through the Midas/RDE tool; attends all safety-related training programs; performs work in a safe manner; monitors work environment for possible safety issues and ensures others are also performing work in a safe manner.

* Stays current and complies with state and federal regulations/statutes and company policies that impact the employee's area of responsibility.

* If required for the position, ensures all certifications and/or licenses are up-to-date and valid prior to expiration dates.

* Completes all company mandatory modules and required job-specific training in the specified time frame.

* Meets productivity goals according to departmental standards.

* Must attend 75% of department meetings; responsible for 100% of department meeting content including reviewing minutes, asking questions as needed, and reviewing handouts; completes documentation, including charges within a timely manner.

Qualifications

Education
Graduate of an accredited Therapist Assistant Program- Required

Certification & Licensures
BLS (American Heart Association) - Required upon date of hire.

Current certification in the State of Arizona for the discipline- Required

Employee will obtain and maintain appropriate clinical competencies for the roles assigned by their departmental leader.

Experience
Clinical documentation experience- Preferred

Healthcare is a rapidly changing environment and technology is integrated into almost all aspects of patient care. Computers and other electronic devices are utilized across the organization and throughout each department. Colleagues must have an understanding of computers, and competence in using computers and basic software programs.