Physical Therapist Assistant

MyMichigan Health•Sault Ste. Marie, MI

26d

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant provides physical therapy services in accordance with a written plan of care and under the advisement of a supervising Physical Therapist. The position delivers patient-focused care according to physical therapy standards, physician orders, and affiliate policies and procedures. The assistant provides treatment, communicates patient progress and unusual responses to the Physical Therapist, documents treatment responses and changes in condition, completes billing-related documentation, and educates patients and caregivers about home programs. The role also supports interdisciplinary communication, staff and community education, process improvement, and program development. The assistant works under the guidance of a Physical Therapist to facilitate communication with physicians about treatment-regimen changes. The role requires an associate degree, PTA credential, fingerprinting, and Basic Life Support certification within one month of hire or transfer. Employees must complete orientation and new-hire competency requirements, annual OSHA training, and demonstrate applicable communication, patient-care, safety, and Microsoft Windows competencies. The work may involve exposure to communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, stressful situations, and infectious materials. Physical demands include frequent sitting, standing, walking, and postural changes, with occasional lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

Associate degree.
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) credential.
Fingerprinting credential or requirement.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from AHA, required within one month of hire or transfer.
Successful completion of MyMichigan Health and subsidiary-specific orientation and new-hire competency requirements.
Provide for the age-specific needs of the population served according to department standards, policies, procedures, and patient-care area requirements.
Effective English-language verbal and written communication skills for interacting with individuals and groups at all levels.
Ability to work independently and demonstrate problem-solving, organizational, time-management, and initiative skills.
Complete mandatory OSHA training annually according to the Exposure Control Plan.
Ability to communicate ideas and concepts clearly and understandably with individuals and groups at all levels.
Ability to work where exposed to communicable diseases and use personal protective equipment correctly.
Ability to perform essential job functions with reasonable accommodation.
Ability to demonstrate and teach selected treatment routines to appropriate professional and non-professional individuals.
Ability to move freely about the facility, with or without an assistive device, and perform the job functions described.
Overall vision and hearing, with or without assistive devices.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, work well with others, work independently, maintain regular and predictable attendance, and stay awake.
Dexterity for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling, potentially repeated regularly or frequently.
Ability to meet medium physical-demand requirements: occasionally lift or carry 21–50 pounds; frequently handle 20 pounds and/or walk, stand, or push/pull arm or leg controls; and constantly handle 10 pounds.
Ability to tolerate stressful situations, including public contact and situations involving trauma, grief, or death.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials, or an appropriate substitute if required.

Responsibilities

Provide treatment techniques to facilitate and restore optimal functioning specific to the Physical Therapist Assistant's patient-care area.
Provide feedback to the Physical Therapist about patient progress and report unusual reactions or responses to the therapeutic program.
Document patient, family, or caregiver responses to treatment and changes in patient condition according to affiliate policies and regulatory standards.
Complete daily documentation required for billing according to affiliate policy and regulatory standards.
Educate patients, families, and caregivers about home programs using relevant and effective teaching methods.
Communicate effectively with internal and external customers and coordinate patient care with interdisciplinary team members.
Promote education and development among staff, students, and other health care providers; promote process improvement.
Assist with program development.
Provide feedback in team conferences and interdisciplinary meetings as appropriate.
Promote physical therapy within MyMichigan Health and its service area, including participating in and providing community education.
Demonstrate commitment to MyMichigan Health and subsidiary missions through customer service, quality of service, and teamwork.
Under the guidance of a Physical Therapist, facilitate communication between the Physical Therapist and physician about treatment-regimen changes.
Maintain confidentiality of patient and affiliate information according to applicable policies and procedures.
Complete other duties as assigned.