PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT - Dover Therapy

Legal Entity

Aultman Hospital

Position Summary

PT Assistant - Licensed assists the Physical Therapist in performing all delegated treatment procedures, patient care activities, research, education and training to implement the programs established by the department. Performs all tasks delegated by the Physical Therapist under their supervision and direction, reporting changes in condition and reaction to treatment to the Physical Therapist.

Department Summary

The Outpatient Therapy Department provides high-quality, patient-centered rehabilitation services to individuals recovering from orthopedic, neurological, and musculoskeletal conditions. Our licensed physical therapist assistants deliver evidence-based care focused on restoring function, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life. The department operates within the hospital’s broader continuum of care and collaborates closely with physicians, nursing staff, and other allied health professionals to ensure seamless, coordinated treatment. Services are delivered in compliance with all applicable regulatory standards and organizational policies. Staff are expected to uphold the mission, vision, and values of the organization while maintaining a strong commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and continuous professional development.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a CAPTE accredited school of physical therapist assistants.
• PTA license from State of Ohio OT, PT, and AT Board- active and in good standing.
• Obtain and maintain current American Heart Association (AHA) training in Basic Life Support(BLS) utilizing Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) is required.

Department Qualifications

• Willingness to build professional skills to support the niche services provided by the department as they arise such as aquatic therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion management, lymphedema therapy, spine care utilizing manual therapy and the McKenzie Method, temporomandibular joint (TMD) therapy, and specialized programs for osteoporosis, oncology rehabilitation, and amputee care.

Skills

• Skilled in delivering manual therapy techniques and prescribing individualized exercise programs with appropriate dosing based on the plan of care guidelines in conjunction with the need of the patient.
• Apply evidence-based practices and clinical reasoning in the delivery of physical therapy services with the ability to stimulate new ideas and create a positive work environment.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal, oral/written communication, and organizational problem solving skills to support collaboration with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Adapt care approaches to meet the developmental and functional needs of patients across the lifespan.
• Comply with all hospital policies, safety protocols, infection control standards, and HIPAA regulations.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, competency assessments, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrates adaptability and fosters a positive team environment by responding to both planned and unplanned changes in daily workflow.
• Proactively offers assistance to colleagues without needing to be asked, adjusts to schedule modifications, and supports fluctuating patient volumes to ensure consistent, high-quality care delivery.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of electronic health record systems (e.g., Cerner) and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Teams, Outlook).

Department Skills

• Demonstrate effective and adaptable communication strategies to support seamless coordination within a large, dynamic facility, utilizing both formal and informal channels - including real-time verbal interactions and electronic platforms such as Microsoft Teams, email, and other tools - to ensure timely information exchange among an average of 30 team members per pay period.
• Exhibit cultural sensitivity and adaptability in communication and care delivery, effectively engaging with diverse patient populations ranging from inner-city and rural communities to individuals from affluent backgrounds, while respecting unique values, expectations, and subcultural norms
• Technology Adaptability: Willingness and ability to learn new software tools and updates as required by hospital systems and therapy department workflows.
• Adaptability to build skills to support niche services when needed.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Provides physical therapy care as assigned by the physical therapist.
• Maintains ongoing clinical competency by completing a minimum of 12 contact hours of approved continuing education every two-year renewal cycle, as required by the Ohio OT, PT, and AT Board.
• Completes the Ohio Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Assessment Module (JAM) during each renewal period, which fulfills the mandatory ethics requirement and supports understanding of current legal and professional standards.
• Selects continuing education activities that are evidence-based and directly relevant to clinical practice, patient care, and departmental goals.
• Applies knowledge gained through continuing education to enhance treatment planning, patient outcomes, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Communicates significant clinical or operational concerns to the Assistant Manager, Charge Therapist, and/or Director in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Responds to patient and family concerns using professional judgment, empathy, and effective communication skills, while incorporating Tools and Tones and other strategies learned through HRO training to support a culture of safety, trust, and service excellence.
• Orients new personnel to charts, forms and documentation requirements.
• Engages in informal peer feedback and cross-monitoring by observing co-worker performance, speaking up for safety, and offering constructive input as needed to support a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Assists with quality improvement programs by reviewing, recommending or implementing quality improvement processes as needed or as directed.
• Assists with compliance of facility operations with federal, state and local rules and regulations.
• Demonstrates flexibility in meeting the needs of the program and responds positively to changes in workflow.
• Complies with infection control and safety policies.
• Completes assigned duties and mandatory education requirements in a timely and self-directed manner, ensuring compliance with departmental standards and readiness for clinical practice.
• Consistently presents a professional appearance, including appropriate attire and grooming, to reflect the standards of the department and the organization.
• Maintains Aultman standards of confidentiality, including the HIPAA Privacy Rule.
• Creates and fosters a work environment that is consistent with the Mission, Vision and Values of the Aultman Health Foundation.
• Advances strategic organizational goals by consistently using HRO Tools and Tones to ensure clear communication, prevent errors, and foster a culture of safety, accountability, and high-quality patient care.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the performance of physical therapy treatment procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based practice by integrating the best available research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences into treatment planning and decision-making. Actively seeks out current literature, applies relevant findings to improve patient outcomes, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure care is aligned with the most up-to-date clinical standards.
• Exhibits adaptability and team-oriented behavior by voluntarily assisting in other therapy departments during staffing needs, schedule changes, or volume fluctuations, ensuring continuity of care across service areas.
• Demonstrates a collaborative mindset by proactively offering assistance to colleagues during downtime, fostering a supportive environment that prioritizes optimal patient care and efficient workflow.

Department Responsibilities & Expectations

• Greets patients, visitors, and colleagues promptly with a warm smile, friendly introduction, and, when possible, by name - creating a welcoming and respectful environment.
• Anticipates needs and exceeds expectations by asking, “Is there anything else I or a fellow colleague can do for you?” - demonstrating a proactive approach to service and support.
• Provides a caring, timely, and compassionate discharge or departure experience, always expressing gratitude with, “Thank you for allowing us to care for you.”
• Demonstrates integrity, openness, and fairness in all interactions, upholding the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior.
• Promotes teamwork and collaboration, supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive, solution-focused work environment.
• Embraces innovation and creativity, seeking opportunities to improve processes, enhance patient care, and support departmental goals.
• Exhibits compassion and empathy in every patient and team interaction, fostering trust and emotional support throughout the care experience.

Working Conditions

• Hours of operation with shifts as assigned including occasional overtime, on-call or off-shifts (evenings and/or weekends) scheduled as necessary.
• Lunch and break periods must be coordinated with other staff members to maintain adequate staffing during facility hours of operation.
• May be required to travel in inclement weather.
• Subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priority of duties throughout the day.
• Subject to emergency and other crisis situations.
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively through various methods - including verbal, written, and electronic platforms - during both routine operations and unexpected events, ensuring timely coordination and response across the department.
• Working conditions may include providing care in a therapeutic pool environment and managing patient responses during vestibular rehabilitation, including potential episodes of nausea and vomiting, requiring prompt clinical judgment and effective communication with team members.

Hazardous Exposure Category

Category I - Includes tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. All procedures or other job-related tasks that involve an inherent potential for spills or splashes of, or mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues are Category I tasks. Use of appropriate protective measures is required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.

Physical Addendum

Demands

Frequency

Remarks

Lifting 0-10 lbs

Continuous 66% of the day

Lifting 10-20 lbs

Continuous 66% of the day

Lifting 20-35 lbs

Continuous 66% of the day

Lifting 35-50 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Lifting 50-75 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Lifting 75-100 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Lifting over 100 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Forward Reaching

Continuous 66% of the day

Overhead Reaching

Frequent 34-65%

Standing

Continuous 66% of the day

Walking

Continuous 66% of the day

Sitting

Continuous 66% of the day

Climbing

Occasional 10-33%

Stairs/Ladder

Occasional 10-33%

Bending/Stooping

Continuous 66% of the day

Twisting/Turning

Continuous 66% of the day

Kneeling/Squatting

Frequent 34-65%

Crawling

Occasional 10-33%

Pushing/Pulling 0-10 lbs

Continuous 66% of the day

Pushing/Pulling 10-20 lbs

Frequent 34-65%

Pushing/Pulling 20-35 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Pushing/Pulling 35-50 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Pushing/Pulling 50-100 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Pushing/Pulling over 100 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Carrying 0-10 lbs

Continuous 66% of the day

Carrying 10-20 lbs

Continuous 66% of the day

Carrying 20-35 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Carrying 35-50 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Carrying 50-100 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Carrying over 100 lbs

Occasional 10-33%

Grasping/repetitive sustained

Continuous 66% of the day

Fine motor coordination

Continuous 66% of the day

Vision: Near/Far/Color

Continuous 66% of the day

Hearing: ordinary conversation/other

Continuous 66% of the day

PT ASSISTANT-LICENSED