Under the supervision of the Director of Rehab and under the direct supervision of the PT Team Leader and Physical Therapists, the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy treatment for assigned patients. The PTA must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served by his/her department—adolescent through geriatric. The PTA must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span; possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status; interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age-specific needs; and to provide the care needed as described in the Physical Therapy Department's policies and procedures.

Type of supervision exercised:

limited.

Jobs reporting to this position:

aides, PTA students, volunteers/observers.

EDUCATION

Associate's degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program required.

WORK EXPERIENCE

New graduates acceptable. One (1) to two (2) years experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant preferred.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Current licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant by the PA State Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs required.

Clearances required:

PA State Police criminal history check, PA Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse Central Register (Childline), PA Department of Human Services FBI fingerprint clearance and PA Department of Aging FBI fingerprint clearance (if applicable). CPR Certification must be obtained and maintained. Good written and verbal communication skills; and interpersonal and conflict resolution skills required for effective communication with staff, patients, and families. Valid PA driver's license required as position involves travel between sites. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide individualized care appropriate to the age specific need and culture of the patient served.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Moderate work: duties require exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally (approximately 10-33% of shift), and/or up to 10-25 lbs. of force frequently (approximately 33-66% of shift). Position involves lifting/transferring patients, carrying objects, pushing wheelchairs, sitting and working in reaching and strained positions throughout shift. Ability to transport self throughout facility is required. Must be able to travel to other sites as required.

ACCIDENT OR HEALTH HAZARDS

Occasional exposure to blood and body substances.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Works in well-lit office, gym, and patient care areas.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF JOB

E = Essential Element NE = Nonessential Element 75% Assists with implementing and documenting Physical Therapy treatment and progress for assigned caseload. Consults with Physical Therapists regarding patient progress. (E) 10% Maintains productivity standard expectation. (E) 10% Communicates and collaborates with supervising therapist regarding patient progress, issues, and goals. Communicates with the Scheduling Coordinator regarding scheduling needs. (E) 3% Assists department director with departmental functions to ensure smooth operation of department, including but not limited to data collection, chart reviews, performance improvement activities, program planning, in-services and patient scheduling. (E) 2% Provides supervision and feedback to aides, PTA students, volunteers and observers. (E)