Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant

Encore Rehabilitation•Cullman, AL

About The Position

The Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant is a skilled technical worker who performs physical therapy treatments and related duties assigned by a therapist. The assistant treats patients after evaluation by a Registered Physical Therapist and carries out procedures in accordance with that therapist’s Plan of Care. The role includes patient documentation, support for home treatment programs, maintaining equipment and supplies, and helping patients become physically, emotionally, and socially independent. The assistant consults with the Registered Physical Therapist about patient progress and the plan of care, interacts with other departments involved in patient care, and may counsel patients or family members on special problems with the therapist’s advice. The position supervises rehabilitation technicians, aides, and students, and participates in in-service training for clinical staff. The assistant reports to staff Physical Therapists/Clinical Director regarding physical therapy matters and is supervised by the Staff Therapist and Clinic Director.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited school for Physical Therapist Assistants.
Licensure by the Board of Physical Therapy in the applicable state.
Ability to stand for extended periods and walk extensively without extreme fatigue.
Ability to lift and carry equipment, supplies, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds without help; items over 50 pounds require mechanical devices or assistance from other personnel.
Ability to operate electrical equipment.

Responsibilities

Adhere to the APTA code of ethics.
Report physical therapy matters to the staff Physical Therapists/Clinical Director.
Carry out physical therapy procedures according to the Registered Physical Therapist’s Plan of Care.
Provide instructions for home treatment programs in consultation with the Registered Physical Therapist.
Maintain equipment and supplies that may benefit patients.
Encourage patients without giving false hope.
Counsel patients and/or family members on special problems with advice from the Registered Physical Therapist.
Help patients become physically, emotionally, and socially independent.
Use appropriate patient-care procedures while keeping department expenses reasonable, including supplies, equipment, linens, and time usage.
Submit written reports to the Registered Physical Therapist/Supervisor on duty about recorded incidents or accidents involving patients or employees as they occur.
Document treatments received by all patients according to physical therapy department policies and procedures.
Consult with the Registered Physical Therapist regarding patient progress and plans of care.
Interact with other departments involved with individual patients regarding patient progress.
Supervise rehabilitation technicians, aides, and students.
Participate in in-service training for clinical staff.