Physical Therapy Assistant, Days, Full Time (1.0 FTE

Physical Therapy Assistant

The role of the Physical Therapy assistant is to support and assist the Physical Therapist according to policy and procedures; and to assist and arrange for smooth, efficient, and high quality care in accordance with the mission statement of Summit Pacific Medical Center.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information, recommending options and courses of action and implementing physical therapy directives. Documents patient care in a timely and concise manner.
• Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying therapy histories.
• Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities; and in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Provides continuity of care by developing and implementing patient management plans. Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; promoting wellness and health maintenance.
• Meets or exceeds quality care standards, achieves clinical excellence, contributes to quality improvement, and strives for high patient satisfaction. Independently plans work and develops procedures to accomplish goals. Participates actively in the quality improvement system, complies with all appropriate Washington State Department of Health standards, National Patient Safety goals, and other quality improvement projects.
• Maintains professional skills through research and training/continuing education opportunities. Participates in interdisciplinary meetings; stays abreast of trends and best practices; develops and implements new and revised methods, practices, policies, techniques and procedures. Ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and federal, state and local laws.
• Special projects and other related duties as assigned.

Essential Job Function

Organizational Responsibilities

In addition to the duties and responsibilities listed above, all employees are expected to support the Summit Pacific Medical Center mission, vision and values; comply with SPMC policies and procedures; and conduct themselves in an ethical, professional, respectful, and collaborative manner at all times.

Required Education and Experience

• Graduation from an accredited physical therapist assistant program
• One year of practice within a physical therapy environment, preferred.

Required Licenses, Certifications and/or Registrations

• Current and unrestricted Physical Therapy Assistant License in Washington state
• Current BLS certification within 90 days of hire

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Professional and effective written and verbal communication skills. Ability to identify and employ communication strategies appropriate to the audience.
• Ability to cultivate effective partnerships and work in collaboration with providers, other health care professionals, managers, and patients.
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation and records.
• Ability to work independently and with a team while performing a wide variety of duties that require the use of independent judgment, advanced problem-solving, critical thinking, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Proficient in the use of current technology, including Microsoft Office products. Ability to learn and effectively use electronic medical records and other systems and equipment.

Physical Requirements

• Lifting < 10 lbs:
  Constant (Over 70% of the time)
• Lifting 10–35 lbs:
  Frequent (30-70% of the time)
• Lifting > 35 lbs:
  Occasional (10-30% of the time)
• Carrying < 10 lbs:
  Constant (Over 70% of the time)
• Carrying 10–35 lbs:
  Occasional (10-30% of the time)
• Carrying > 35 lbs:
  Seldom (1-10% of the time)
• Pushing/Pulling 0–35 lbs:
  Frequent (30-70% of the time)
• Sitting:
  Occasional (10-30% of the time)
• Standing:
  Frequent (30-70% of the time)
• Walking:
  Constant (Over 70% of the time)
• Bending/Stooping:
  Constant (Over 70% of the time)
• Crouching:
  Frequent (30-70% of the time)

• Vision:
  Within normal range, with or without corrective devices
• Hearing:
  Within normal range, with or without corrective devices
• Speech:
  Within normal range, with or without corrective devices