Physical Therapy Assistant

Samaritan Healthcare•Moses Lake, WA

13d

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant performs treatments and provides exercise instruction and demonstrations to patients under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. The position works closely with physicians and other healthcare personnel to provide appropriate, high-quality patient care, and reports to the Rehabilitation Services Director. It is full-time, 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with availability during the day shift from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; the schedule is determined upon hire. The role includes assisting with patient testing, evaluations, and procedures; carrying out treatment programs determined by the Physical Therapist; instructing patients in program activities and assistive devices; and maintaining equipment, supplies, records, and clean, organized work areas. The assistant also supports quality improvement, provides in-service instruction, participates in education and meetings, and maintains professional knowledge and conduct. The position requires a graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant program, a valid, unexpired, unrevoked Washington state PTA license, and at least one year of experience as a physical therapy assistant.

Requirements

Graduate of a physical therapy assistant program at an accredited college or university.
Valid, unexpired, and unrevoked Washington state PTA license.
At least one year of experience working as a physical therapy assistant.
Demonstrated competency with equipment listed on the department-specific checklist.
Critical thinking skills, including seeking direction when needed, independent problem solving, logical and deliberate decision-making, accountability, and safe judgment.
Practice within legal and ethical guidelines.
Competency in caring for patients across the age continuum.
Good reading eyesight.
Ability to perform moderate lifting of up to approximately 50 pounds.
Ability to communicate verbally and/or in writing for accurate information exchange.
Ability to perform the physical activities listed in the job description, including occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing, and pulling.

Responsibilities

Assist the Physical Therapist during patient testing, evaluations, and procedures.
Carry out corrective exercise and treatment programs for assigned patients as determined by the Physical Therapist’s evaluation.
Instruct patients on segments of their programs, including the proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, braces, prosthetic appliances, and orthotic devices.
Maintain and care for equipment and supplies; stay current on supply locations and equipment status; document maintenance and repairs; and assist with inventory reports.
Maintain department records, reports, and files as required.
Organize the daily patient care workload efficiently.
Keep work areas neat, clean, and organized, and handle equipment carefully.
Clean equipment and work areas regularly according to department policies and procedures; obtain cultures of patient care equipment as instructed.
Provide thorough and professionally accurate in-service instruction for the Physical Therapy Department, interdepartmental employees, and the community as requested.
Assist registered Physical Therapists and Aides in monitoring quality improvement.
Maintain an open, respectful rapport with the Physical Therapy Director; report pertinent information, unusual occurrences, decisions made during the Director’s absence, and project progress.
Participate in educational programs and in-service meetings, attend other required meetings, and maintain professional growth through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliations.
Follow safe work practices and policies, including requirements relating to security, safety, MSDS, equipment, infection control, fire, disaster, body mechanics, and Basic Life Support.
Comply with organizational policies and procedures and labor agreements.
Interact courteously and efficiently with team members and support groups in keeping with the organization’s values.
Maintain professional conduct and appearance and handle additional accountabilities as required by management.
Communicate accurately with physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals, patients, families, and the public using verbal and/or written skills.