A. POSITION PURPOSE:

As a member of the therapy team, the Physical Therapist Assistant’s primary function is to provide physical therapy treatment under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist.

B. QUALIFICATIONS:

Qualifications:

1. Education, experience and licensure

a. Licensed or eligible for licensure by the State of Illinois under the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act.

b. Member or eligible for membership in the APTA preferred.

c. General knowledge and therapy skill enabling the treatment of a wide variety of conditions and ages

from neonates, pediatrics, young adults, adults and/or geriatrics.

d. Current certification in CPR and other service line specific competencies.

2. Physical Requirements:

a. Frequently lift and carry therapy supplies and equipment such as ultra sound unit, gauges, cuff and free weights, and assistive devices weighing up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lift a maximum of 50 pounds.

b. Manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, and intact sensation in fingers and hands to safely and proficiently perform treatment procedures.

c. Perform frequent, momentary bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling, and reaching activities.

d. Ability to use proper body mechanics and safe lifting techniques during all client/patient treatment, positioning and transfers.

e. Generate a maximum static force of 35 pounds while pushing/pulling a wheelchair with client/patient (handles at 36 inches) on tile, carpet and inclined surfaces while using proper body mechanics.

f. Stand and walk for up to 67% of the work day.

g. Sit for up to 33% of the work day.

h. Walk on even and uneven surfaces, including occasional stairs, steps and inclines for up to 33% of the day.

i. Visual acuity to see all forms of written or computer generated communication including reports, notes, graphs, charts and other media.

j. Hearing acuity to receive and interpret all forms of communication including voice, CD, television, and other electronic media.

· The physical requirements listed above are the critical physical demands required to competently and safely perform the essential job functions listed below.

3. Mental Requirements:

a. Read and comprehend English and retain information that can be applied to work processes and procedures.

b. Write in English documenting and communicating information in a clear, grammatically correct, and concise manner.

c. Interpret, adapt and apply guidelines, policies, procedures and standards.

d. Apply skills and knowledge to a variety of tasks and situations which are often complex and varied; requiring independent judgment and decision-making.

e. Work under stressful situations and conditions.

4. Interpersonal Requirements:

a. Maintain effective working relationships in daily contact with client/patients, their families, employees, visitors, physicians and others.

b. Remain calm and effective in emergency and other stressful situations.

c. Communicate effectively with people of all professional, educational, social and ethnic backgrounds.

d. Retain confidential information and communicate only such facts as HIPPA will allow.

C. ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials X may / may not reasonably be anticipated from the performance of the employee’s duties. Skin, eye, mucous membrane, and or potential contact with blood or potentially infectious material X is / is not reasonably anticipated.

D. AGE SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITY:

Incumbents must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide treatment, based on physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety related criteria appropriate to the primary population of clients/patients served.

For performance evaluation, it is mandatory each incumbent in this position demonstrate the ability and skill required to care for the age groups in his/her unit/department and to apply knowledge appropriately.

E. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS and ACCOUNTABILITIES:

In addition to the essential job functions, may also perform other duties and responsibilities as required or assigned.

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

1. Gather and Review Information Prior To Initiating Treatment:

a. Perform a thorough client/patient chart review to acquire an understanding of the general health status, level of impairment, functional limitations and disability.

b. Acknowledge an understanding of the implications of the diagnosis, health status, level of impairment, functional limitations and disability with regard to the client’s/patient’s physical activity level.

c. Accept responsibility for the care and safety of the client/patient during treatment.

d. Initiate client/patient treatment independently with/without specific instructions.

e. Use treatment methods and procedures within the scope of Physical Therapy Practice Guidelines.

f. Acknowledge an awareness of the treatment implications and contraindications of the client’s/patient’s medical status and current medication level and seek clarification, as needed.

g. Understand the chronicity and severity of the current problem and the possibility of multi-system, multi-site involvement or preexisting conditions.

h. Aware of identified safety risks and take necessary precautions.

i. Consider the current level of impairment and functional limitations with regard to the client’s/patient’s therapy goals, their living environment, potential discharge destination and social supports.

2. Provide Recommended, Evidence-Based Treatment as Established in the Therapy Plan of Care:

a. Acknowledge awareness of the prescribed therapy goals, treatment procedures, frequency and duration of treatment, rehabilitation potential and anticipated outcomes.

b. Assist the Physical Therapist in physical therapy treatment.

c. Apply and modify, as directed, physical therapy treatment within the Practice Guidelines of the APTA that are safe, effective and follow the established Therapy Plan of Care.

d. Provide treatment that is evidenced-based.

e. Request therapy supplies, materials, and equipment to carryout effective treatment.

f. Provide education and instruction to the client/patient, their family members, caregivers and other healthcare professionals.

g. Actively participate in client/patient interdisciplinary planning.

h. Assist in coordinating the Therapy Plan of Care with the client/patient, their family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and other interested parties, as directed

i. Acknowledge awareness of the Discharge Plan and the established criteria for discharge.

j. Participate in interdisciplinary planning and communication regarding the Therapy Plan of Care and discharge planning.

3. Documentation, Reporting and Information Dissemination:

a. Submit timely, legible, grammatically correct, and detailed progress notes, reports, summaries, and other required documentation.

b. Document and communicate the progress of all therapy intervention with the Physical Therapist.

c. Communicate effectively with the client/patient and others, maintaining the confidentiality of all information.

d. Document, legibly and legally all aspects of client’s/patient’s treatment within the scope and practice of the Physical Therapist Assistant.

e. Thoroughly document communications with referral sources regarding the status and progress of assigned clients/patients, as directed.

f. In accordance with agency policy, properly code and charge for the services provided.

g. Prepare charge sheets for submission for billing.

h. Documentation will meet all professional and regulatory standards including objective testing, treatment modifications, vital signs, use of functional tools, skilled interventions and the client’s/patient’s response to treatment.

4. Determine Effectiveness of the Treatment and Communicate Results:

a. Maintain awareness of the client’s/patient’s therapy status during treatment.

b. Routinely, and as needed, report client’s/patient’s response to treatment.

c. Consult with the Physical Therapist to make changes in the Therapy Plan of Care.

d. Communicate with others regarding changes in the Therapy Plan of Careand document accordingly.

e. Assist the Physical Therapist in discharge planning and follow-up.

5. Professional Expectations:

a. Follow organization and facility policies and procedures regarding professional conduct, promptness and adherence to work schedules.

b. Use time efficiently and effectively, complete tasks in a timely manner, and effectively manage a case load.

c. As assigned, provide clinical instruction for the Physical Therapist Assistant students.

d. Attend required educational offerings, such as safety, emergency preparedness, new therapy procedures, etc.

e. Attend required meetings on time and actively participate in a positive manner.

f. Relate effectively and professionally with the supervisor and constructively receive praise and feedback regarding job performance.

g. Establish professional rapport with clients/patients, their family members, staff and colleagues using tact and diplomacy during difficult or stressful situations.

h. Take responsibility for own workload and assist others when needed.

i. Follow established chain of command when dealing with identified problems, issues or concerns.

6. Demonstrate Quality and Service Excellence:

a. Demonstrate behaviors that show a positive attitude, empathy and professionalism.

b. Demonstrate effective communication skills by making customers feel welcome and respected; protecting their privacy and confidentiality.

c. Work as a team member; enhance team effectiveness through team building, and take ownership in service line/organization problem-solving and quality improvement.

d. Contribute to a positive organizational image by following the dress code, talking positively about the organization and its people, and contributing to the cleanliness and organization of the work environment.

e. Strive to exceed customer expectations through responsiveness, attention to detail, and anticipating needs.

Pay: $28.00 - $37.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) 3% Match
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (Required)

Work Location: In person