Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - Part- or Full-Time

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy treatment and related services to achieve functional outcome measures through various therapeutic interventions under direction and support of a registered Physical Therapist. This position provides quality patient care including ongoing treatment per plan of care and case management responsibilities. The PTA will maintain positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of APTA and within Webster County Community Hospital (WCCH) guidelines, and maintain professional conduct that represents WCCH’s commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with patients and facilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist physical therapists in evaluating patients’ conditions and developing individualized treatment plans.
• Assist physical therapists in executing treatment plans for patients, focusing on exercises, mobility training and other therapeutic techniques.
• Monitor and document patient progress, adjusting exercises and treatment routines as appropriate.
• Comply with state and federal guidelines regarding accurate and timely billing and documentation.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• Educate patients and their families on proper exercise techniques, safe mobility and at-home care to support rehabilitation.
• Use modalities in a competent and effective manner.
• Demonstrate ability to learn and ultimately practice in multiple settings within the critical access hospital and other facilities.
• Integrate appropriate standards of care within the patient’s plan of care based on the diagnosis and age-specific needs.
• Prepare and maintain therapy equipment, ensuring a safe and organized environment for patients.
• Ensure all therapy equipment is cleaned properly according to policies.
• Execute therapeutic and/or supportive interventions.
• Monitor the patient’s response to and effectiveness of interventions.
• Manage patient’s progress toward established outcomes.
• Incorporate cultural considerations into the delivery of therapeutic services.
• Include family or significant others in the care of the patient as appropriate.
• Document patient care and related information according to WCCH and other facilities procedures for documentation.
• Facilitate patient’s transition to next level of care.
• Perform screens as needed to optimize the functional abilities and skills of patients.
• Assume responsibility in a shared or delegated assignment and support team members’ practices through timely and professional communication.
• Actively participates in continued learning opportunities and continued self-development pertinent to the duties of the job.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Support the mission, vision, values, ethics, and goals of WCCH.
• Pledge sincere commitment to quality care and a quest for excellence.
• Maintain confidentiality for the people WCCH serves and to fellow employees by always following HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
• Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within all facilities.
• Ability to come to work as scheduled and consistently demonstrates professionalism, dependability, organization and punctuality.
• Adhere to the team approach and work well with fellow employees.
• Maintain accountability and responsibility for job performance and seeks ways to improve.
• Demonstrate respect, politeness, consideration and sympathy to patients, visitors and fellow employees.
• Ability to read, write, speak and comprehend English.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Encourage positive community relations by expressing desire for continuous quality improvement to the public and fellow employees.
• Maintain a professional appearance of self and work area.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced and productive work environment.
• Exhibit good time management skills and able to manage own schedule when needed.
• Have excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Attend interdisciplinary meetings and other meetings as position requires.
• Attend any educational events that are required or would be beneficial to the wellbeing of the therapy department and/or clinic/hospital/LTC facility.
• Utilize proper body mechanics, transfer/lifting techniques and appropriate equipment to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.
• Ability to lift or move up to 100 pounds of dead weight alone.
• Frequent standing, walking and hands-on patient care activities.
• Must be able to work varying hours and shifts, including weekends and holidays as needed.
• Ensure compliance with state of Nebraska and Federal regulations, as well as organizational policies and procedures.
• Serve as a role model to colleagues, students, and other care providers.
• Must conduct self in an ethical, legal and responsible manner at all times.
• Must be able to travel between facilities during scheduled hours.
• Be a strong team player.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program.
• 1+ year of experience as a PTA in hospital, outpatient and/or skilled nursing settings preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• Current Physical Therapist Assistant License in the State of Nebraska
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Maintain necessary continuing education for state/national licensure.