Physical Therapy Assistant I

Job Summary:

Administers physical therapy treatments to patients, working under direction of and as assistant to the Physical Therapist.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Administers active and passive manual therapeutic exercises, therapeutic massage, and heat, sound, water, and electrical modality treatments such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and hot and cold packs. Administers traction to relieve neck and back pain. Fits patients for, adjusts, and trains patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities such as pre-ambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily living activities.
• Observes patients during treatments and compiles and evaluates data on patients responses to treatments and progress and reports orally or in writing to Physical Therapist. Confers with members of physical therapy staff and other health team members, individually and in conference, to exchange, discuss, and evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs. Measures patients range-of-joint motion, length and girth of body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of specific treatments or to assist Physical Therapist to compile data for patient evaluations. Orients new Physical Therapist Assistants and directs and gives instructions to Physical Therapy Aides, Physical Therapist Assistants, and Physical Therapist Students.
• Performs clerical duties such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms. Perform other related duties as necessary. This job motivates and provides work direction to other employees, but does not have the authority to hire, fire or discipline Consistently supports the precepts of Corporate Compliance and Principles of Responsibility by maintaining confidentiality, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with integrity, reporting observed fraud and abuse and complying with applicable state, federal and local laws and program policies and procedures.

Grade: 585