Physical Therapist Assistant

OrthoVirginia•Virginia Beach, VA

About The Position

At OrthoVirginia, you’re part of a team dedicated to delivering expert orthopedic and therapy care across the state. As Virginia’s largest provider of musculoskeletal care, we offer full-time and part-time opportunities in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. With more than 159 physicians in over 35 locations—including Lynchburg, Northern Virginia, Richmond, Southwest Virginia, and Hampton Roads—OrthoVirginia is a leader in orthopedic surgery, non-surgical care, and physical, hand, and occupational therapy. Our nationally recognized specialists treat a full range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, helping patients of all ages move, heal, and thrive. Join us and become part of a trusted network committed to excellence in orthopedic care. Position Summary: The primary purpose of the PTA position is to work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. The PTA will implement selected components of patient interventions, obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions either to progress the patient as directed by the physical therapist or to ensure patient safety and comfort. The PTA will follow the plan of care set by the Physical Therapist, obtain, document, and relay data related to the treatments provided. Directs patient participation in activities and exercise progression to restore, reinforce and enhance performance. Facilitate the learning of those skills and functions essential for adaptation and productivity to diminish or correct pathology and promote and maintain health.

Requirements

Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to provide instructions clearly and pay close attention to detail
Must be able to collaborate with other patient care team members
Ability to remain encouraging and motivating to patients who experience pain and frustration, physical therapists should be compassionate and encouraging
Ability to remain flexible, adaptable and calm in unexpected situations
Ability to exercise sound judgment in stressful circumstances
Graduate of an accredited curriculum with an associate's degree as a physical therapy assistant (required)
Holds and maintains proof of valid VA state licensure (required)

Responsibilities

Contributes to physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physical therapy directives.
Assists with patient observations as requested by the physical therapist and to assist in identifying patients with physical therapy needs.
Works cooperatively with peers to contribute to the overall productivity of the team.
Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities.
Maintain patient records confidentially.
Schedules patients effectively for best time utilization.
Observes, records and reports to the physical therapist conditions, reactions and responses of patients' plan of care.
Ensures that each patient has adequate knowledge concerning his/her disorder, treatment, and continued care.
Communicates and coordinates effectively, both written and verbally, with patients, families, and other team members regarding the patient's overall plan of care.
Participates in discharge planning as requested by the physical therapist consistent with patient goals.
Maintains accurate and timely flow of paperwork, orders, requests, and reports.
Is reliable, follows instructions and completes assignments in timely manner.
Works cooperatively with patients, supervising personnel, fellow employees, other healthcare team members and the public.
Patient care documentation is timely, legible, and efficient and meets departmental documentation standards.
Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations, adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
Maintains production objectives by noting current treatment trends; monitoring actual physical therapy services rendered to production objectives.
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
Must be able to recognize and respond appropriately to urgent/emergent situations per protocols.