Physical Therapy Assistant (DHWC)

Role Overview & Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in an outpatient setting, supporting patients in regaining mobility, managing pain, and improving functional outcomes following injury or illness.

Scope and Impact

• Direct impact on patient recovery, functional mobility, and quality of life
• Supports interdisciplinary care team and contributes to patient treatment outcomes
• Works with diverse patient populations, including underserved communities

Decision Making Authority

• Operates under the direction of a Physical Therapist
• Exercises clinical judgment in progressing treatments within established care plans
• Escalates patient condition changes, reassessment needs, or treatment modifications to supervising Physical Therapist

Interactions / Working Relationships

• Internal: Physical Therapists, interdisciplinary healthcare team members, administrative staff
• External: Patients and their families/caregivers
• Frequent collaboration to coordinate care, communicate progress, and adjust treatment plans

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide physical therapy treatments in accordance with the Physical Therapist's plan of care (30%)
• Perform therapeutic interventions including exercises, neuromuscular re-education, gait and stair training, manual therapy, and modalities (20%)
• Monitor and adjust treatments to support patient progress toward functional goals (10%)
• Communicate patient status, progress, and concerns to Physical Therapist and care team (10%)
• Assist in patient evaluations by collecting data (e.g., ROM, vitals, muscle testing) (5%)
• Educate patients and families on treatment plans, recovery, and use of assistive devices (10%)
• Fit and train patients on braces, prosthetics, and assistive equipment (5%)
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including treatment notes and discharge summaries (5%)
• Maintain clinic operations through clerical duties (inventory, supplies, scheduling calls) (3%)
• Ensure compliance with Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners regulations and maintain a safe work environment (2%)

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

Education: Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licensed by Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (TBPTE)
• CPR certification required

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with underserved populations or addressing health disparities
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong communication (verbal and written)
• Team collaboration and interpersonal effectiveness
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Organizational skills and attention to detail

Language Skills

• Required: English (fluent)
• Preferred: Spanish (verbal proficiency)

Technology and Tools

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR/EHR systems)
• Standard clinical documentation tools
• Microsoft Office (preferred) Work Environment and Physical Demands
• Typical work setting (e.g., office, clinic, field, remote, hybrid)
• Travel expectations (if any)
• Physical requirements (e.g., standing, lifting, walking)

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Clinical outpatient setting
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, stooping, and pushing
• Occasional lifting/carrying (minimum 25 lbs; up to 50+ lbs with assistance)
• Ability to perform patient transfers using proper body mechanics
• No regular travel required