Physical Therapy Assistant

Overview

UnityPoint-St Luke's Downtown - Inpatient - PRN (as-needed)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is responsible for administering therapeutic interventions selected by and under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist, and within the scope of the profession, the State Practice Act, Licensure and policies of UnityPoint Health for Physical Therapist Assistants. The Physical Therapist Assistant is responsible for accurate documentation and billing as well as maintaining communication with the supervising Physical Therapist to inform a plan of care best suited for the environment in which care is provided (e.g., acute hospital, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, in the home).

Responsibilities

Clinical Excellence and Care Delivery

• Administers physical therapy interventions consistent with the plan of care, as delegated, directed and supervised by a licensed Physical Therapist in accordance with the scope of the profession, the State Practice Act, Licensure and policies of UnityPoint Health.
• Monitors the response to therapeutic interventions and notifies the Physical Therapist of changes in condition, progress, and barriers to progress to collaboratively modify the treatment plan to optimize outcomes.
• Educates the patient, family and caregivers regarding lifestyle improvements, home exercises, body mechanics, safety, infection prevention as related to the Physical Therapist Assistant scope of practice and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient/family needs including age, culture, gender, readiness to learn and level of comprehension.
• Efficiently completes documentation and billing in accordance with regulatory standards and policies exhibiting an understanding of requirements and ethical practice.
• Appropriate to the site of service, complies with the documentation requirements of different payers in terms of content, frequency, timeliness, and authorization of services required for that treatment setting.
• Adheres to established regulatory requirements for communication with the supervising Physical Therapist(s).

Professional Conduct and Quality

• Participates in patient care conferences or other care coordination discussions needed to align and/or optimize care.
• Assists and advises leadership in the development and implementation of quality services, programs, policies and procedures.
• Maintains competence in the administration of data collection tools used to quantify progress and outcomes.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and maximize the patient experience by participating in process improvement and other program development activities.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work environment by keeping the work area clean, observing policies and procedures relating to safety and infection prevention.
• Assists with and maintains compliance with governing body requirements specific to the care setting.
• Ongoing commitment to reducing costs and improving productivity.
• Fosters professional relationships that offer opportunities for enhanced patient access or care delivery.
• Exhibits flexibility with assignments including hours of operation to meet business and customer needs.
• Meets the expected productivity standard.

Program and Professional Development

• Provides clinical supervision of Therapy Technicians and Students.
• Participates in staff meetings, interdepartmental meetings, interdisciplinary meetings and committees as appropriate.
• Assesses personal strengths and areas of development and seeks training/education as needed to remain current in physical therapy theory, practice, technology, and ethics.
• Exhibits a willingness to accept and learn new skills and incorporates constructive feedback into clinical practice.
• Has a continuing competence mindset that seeks ongoing professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance therapy practice.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development in clinical practice, regulatory and fiscal issues.
• Participates in development and education of colleagues, students and other staff.

Qualifications

Education: Graduate of an accredited physical therapist assistant program with an associate's degree; a certificate from an accredited PTA program is acceptable where recognized to meet state licensure educational requirements required. Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience: Less than 1 year entry-level/new graduate acceptable; satisfactory completion of clinical work required by the program attended; previous work/clinical experience indicating successful ability to assume responsibilities within a team context required.

License/Certifications: Licensed as a Physical Therapy Assistant in state of practice required. BCLS required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Fluent English communication; cultural competence and patient focus; clinical proficiency with physical therapy modalities, strong clinical reasoning, patient-care skills, and appropriate PPE; critical thinking and decision-making; organization and time management; teamwork and collaboration; adaptability and stress tolerance; technology proficiency including Microsoft Office; professionalism and accountability; mobility between sites; regulatory and accreditation compliance (HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA).