MANIILAQ ASSOCIATION

02/24

Title:  Physical Therapist Assistant                                                                                                   Range:  16

Program:  Physical Therapy                                                                                                             Status:  Non-Exempt

Housing Priority: None                                                                                                                    Covered:  Yes

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides physical therapy assessment and treatment of patients in an accurate and timely manner per plan of care created by a licensed physical therapist. Frequently communicates with a licensed physical therapist on any positive or negative assessments noted in a patient’s treatment, At least once every month, the supervision shall be conducted on site or by video or teleconference when in-person supervision is not reasonably practicable. The supervising physical therapist shall be available for consultation with the physical therapy assistant. The consultation may be provided by telephone, verbally, or in writing.

Identifies if there are any changes needed in the patient’s plan of care and communicates the changes to a licensed physical therapist.

To provide physical therapy treatment in inpatient care for hospitalized patients, skilled nursing resident follow up care and comprehensive outpatient care in a busy clinic setting. Travels to villages to provide services and expected to provide 50% of outpatient services out in our regional village community clinics.  Responsible for the assessment planning, implementation and evaluations of services provided and assures that such services are provided in accordance with established federal, state and Joint Commission regulatory standards.  Reports directly to supervising Physical therapist and/or the Medical director.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.       Assesses, treats and modifies treatment plans for both inpatients and outpatients with a wide variety of problems, such as but not limited to:

a.        Acute neurological, orthopedic and medical diagnosis such as; stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple fractures and total joint replacement.

b.       Ambulatory patients with problems such as; spinal and extremity pain, arthritic conditions, neuropathies and wound care needs.

c.        Responsible for setting and adjusting patient flow to reduce patient waits in order to achieve patient satisfaction.

d.       Ordering equipment required for patient discharge, based on careful observation.

e.        Responsible for maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, facilitates teamwork.

f.        Demonstrates sensitivity to cross cultural issues.

2.       Patient Education:

a.        Advises patients and family members in methods that facilitate a capacity for self-care and a movement towards a healthcare partnership between providers, the patients and their families.

b.       Provides patients and their families’ home programs to achieve the fullest rehabilitative potential.  Home programs are clear and concise and provider ensures that these instructions are understood by asking for feedback from the patient.

c.        Provides consultation, in-services to other healthcare providers in the hospital and outlying clinics as requested.

d.       Willing to participate in an active student program helping with planning, scheduling and performing in-services as called for by the student program.

3.       Administrative responsibilities:

a.        Documents patient encounters in appropriate format according to hospital policies.

b.       Provides statistics as requested.

c.        Will be conversant in various billing mechanisms (Medicaid, Medicare and third party payers) that may be available for patient equipment and service needs, in order to avoid undue cost to the hospital.

d.       Utilizes the hospital computer system to obtain patient information, as well as keep abreast of hospital directives, and in general, participate in the efficient and timely flow of information.

e.        Assists in committee and management duties as requested.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1.       Licensed to practice as physical therapist assistant in the State of Alaska, or licensed per Public Health Service standards.  

2.       Must have at least an associate’s degree in Physical Therapist Assistant from an accredited school.

3.       Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.  Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.  Possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his or her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the assigned unit’s policies and procedures.

4.       Ability to synthesize knowledge of neurological and musculoskeletal diseases and to formulate results of evaluation into a treatment plan to assist physicians and other professional health staff in proper diagnosis and treatment.

5.       Knowledge of rehabilitative treatment techniques as utilized by the generalist in treating multiple age groups.

6.       Knowledge of orthopedic manual therapy techniques.

7.       Knowledge of Joint Commission standards as they relate to Physical Therapy profession.

8.       Ability to multi-task and prioritize work in a busy therapy clinic.

9.       Ability to work independently.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be considered an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel in this job, and the employer reserves the right to revise or change this description.  This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties and meet physical demands.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet those conditions.