Physical Therapist Assistant

Good Shepherd Penn Partners; Center Valley (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Physical Therapist Assistant to restore function and alleviate pain for patients. This role involves administering therapy under supervision, monitoring progress, and instructing patients in home care following discharge. Ideal candidates must possess an associate degree in a relevant field and required certifications, contributing to team care in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Must-have Physical Therapist Assistant license.
• Basic Life Support / CPR certification required.

Responsibilities

• Administers PT treatments and monitors patient progress.
• Documents care services and collaborates with Physical Therapists.
• Instructs on home exercise programs for patient discharge.

Skills

Patient assessment

Therapeutic modalities

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Associate's Degree in Physical Therapist Assistant program

Job description

• JOB SUMMARY
  • Restores function, alleviates pain, and prevents disability administering medically prescribed Physical Therapy. Treatments must be performed under the direction of a Physical Therapist.
• ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • MEETS THE PATIENT’S GOALS AND NEEDS, AND PROVIDES QUALITY CARE
    • By implementing treatments according to goals established by a Physical Therapist and according to physician prescription.
    • Collaborates with the Physical Therapist in determining the need for assistive devices and other DME needs.
  • ADMINISTERS PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS
    • By administering therapeutic modalities according to their indications and contra-indications
      • performing therapeutic exercises, neuromuscular re-education and relaxation, and functional activities
      • training patients in the use of assistive devices, orthotics and prosthesis.
  • MONITORS PATIENT’S RESPONSE TO PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS
    • By documenting patient’s progress
      • recommending modifications in their treatment plan, use of devices, or alterations in the patient’s D/C plan.
  • CONTRIBUTES TO DISCHARGE PLANNING
    • By instructing patients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs and home instructions, provides training and education to families and caregivers in functional skills the patient will need, assist with discharge, consulting with physicians, nurses, care management, and other health care workers
      • contributing to patient care conferences and team conferences
  • DOCUMENTS PATIENT CARE SERVICES
    • By charting in patient and department records according to established guidelines
      • charges patients appropriately for services rendered.
  • RESPECTS PATIENTS
    • By recognizing their rights
      • providing emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual support
      • maintaining confidentiality.
  • MAINTAINS SAFE AND CLEAN WORKING ENVIRONMENT
    • By complying with procedures, rules, and regulations
      • calling for assistance from support personnel
      • keeping patient rooms and therapy areas in a neat and orderly fashion
      • cleaning assigned equipment or areas according to procedure.
  • PROTECTS SELF, CO-WORKER, AND PATIENTS
    • By interpreting and implementing policies and procedures to prevent the spread of blood borne and/or airborne diseases
      • by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, and equipment cleaning and storage procedures.
  • ENSURES OPERATION OF EQUIPMENT
    • By completing preventative maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions
      • troubleshooting malfunctions
      • calling for repairs
  • MAINTAINS PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
    • By attending educational workshops
      • reviewing publications
      • establishing personal networks
      • attending required annual in-services
      • attending at least 80% of staff meetings
      • documenting education on associate education record
      • identifying learning needs and seeking improvement.
  • MAINTAINS SUPPLY INVENTORY
    • By checking stock to determine inventory level
      • anticipation needed supplies
      • placing and expediting orders for supplies
      • verifying receipt of supplies
      • using equipment and supplies as needed to accomplish job results.
  • CONTRIBUTES TO TEAM EFFORT
    • By accomplishing related results as needed, maintaining department productivity standards
      • carry over goals
      • contributes to PI process
      • coordinating student program, supervising students, training of new staff
      • weekend scheduling.
  • PROMOTES THE DEVELOPMENT OF GOOD SHEPHERD AS A SYSTEM
    • By volunteering as a representative of Good Shepherd at community events
      • acting as a preceptor for new associates or students
      • communicating performance outcomes and results
      • responding to change in a constructive, positive manner.
• QUALIFICATIONS
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
    
    • Education
      • Associate's Degree in a Physical Therapist Assistant program required
    • Work Experience
      • Previous clinical experience preferred
    • Licenses / Certifications
      • Physical Therapist Assistant license required
      • Basic Life Support / CPR, as a healthcare provider, per the American Heart Association required