Physical Therapy Assistant

It is our goal to provide the finest Orthopaedic care possible. This philosophy requires that all office staff and providers be sensitive and responsive to patients’ needs and preferences. To ensure that we hire and retain the quality of staff needed for implementing our philosophy of service, we have adopted the following job description for this position.

The position requires that the employee be available approximately forty hours per week and that also the employee be flexible in his/her schedule to provide efficient service for the group and work additional hours as needed. The employee however, will be expected to work no more than five days per week. Many of the responsibilities require that you have a working knowledge of computers and the ability to learn the proper use of the programs utilized in this office, or those that which may be necessary to meet the needs of the practice. The hours, pay scale, and benefits will be defined as shall be agreed to.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the supervision of the Director of Physical Therapy, the Physical Therapy Assistant shall provide all responsibilities necessary for the successful operation of the Physical Therapy Department for Arrowhead Orthopaedics.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work is primarily performed in the Physical Therapy Department of our Arrowhead Orthopaedics’ offices. There will be contact on a daily basis with confidential files pertaining to patients’ care, and the Physical Therapy Assistant must be able to handle this information with the highest degree of privacy, discretion, and professionalism. The Physical Therapy Assistant is responsible for accomplishing the duties set forth below:

General Activities (There may be other duties required of this position not listed below):

Contributes to physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physical therapy directives. Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying therapy histories. Assesses abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results. Documents patient care services in electronic medical record system. 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. Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; promoting wellness and health maintenance. Provides continuity of care by developing and implementing patient management plans.

RELATIONSHIPS:

The Physical Therapy Assistant should observe and conduct the following relationships:

1. The employee shall be responsible directly to the Director of Physical Therapy. The employee shall report to the Director of Physical Therapy and his/her assignees any progress, reports, requests, concerns, problems, and/or expectations in relation to the responsibilities of the position. Such communication may be verbal or written as deemed necessary by the employee or as directed by the Director of Physical Therapy or his/her assignee. 
2. The employee shall interact with other office and clinical staff in the Practice. Such interactions should be collegial, professional, and contributing to the safety and pleasantness of the work environment at Arrowhead Orthopaedics. 
3. The employee shall interact with Doctors, licensed physical therapists, students conducting internships, physical therapy aids, and patients. Such communication should always reflect the total commitment of the office to quality care and customer satisfaction.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The Physical Therapist Assistant will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor and his/her assignees. Arrowhead Orthopaedics reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.

Performance Requirements:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform satisfactorily job duties, demonstrate excellent work habits, deliver superior service, and exhibit the highest degree of professionalism.
• Employ positive communication skills and exercise professional interpersonal abilities (tack, diplomacy, and respect) with patients and co-workers always. 
• Maintain a high degree of professionalism in the workplace, including appearance, communication, attendance, reliability, and teamwork.
• Maintain a high level of organization, including an orderly and neat work area and excellent time management skills, leading to the highest level of productivity.
• Demonstrate a desire to succeed and willingness to help others succeed. 
• Demonstrate support and comply with all Safety program elements including adherence to policies, exercise of safe work practices, participation in training, use of protective equipment, and reporting all safety concerns, hazards, and non-compliant practices.
• Serve as an employee for Arrowhead Orthaepedics, following the code of conduct, displaying the highest level of ethics and integrity in action, thoughts and conduct.

Skill and Education Requirements:  

• High school diploma or equivalence required
• PTA license required  
• CPR certification required 
• Ability to type a minimum of 40 words per minute 
• Proficient in operating a computer, scanner, and other office equipment     
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and other healthcare-related software applications. 
• Strong telephone etiquette and customer service skills. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with patients, providers, and staff. 
• Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.      
• Strong organizational, leadership, and team coordination abilities. 
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations. 
• Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and recordkeeping.
• Demonstrated experience assisting providers with patient care, procedures, and clinical documentation.

Typical Physical Demands:

1. Requires sitting and walking, with daily occasional stooping, reaching, and bending.
2. Occasional lifting up to thirty pounds.
3. Hearing must be in the normal range for telephone and personal communication.
4. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate keyboards and other office equipment.

Certificates, pre-employment requirements:

• Required to submit and obtain a negative result in the pre-employment drug screening. 
• Ability to pass a background check. 

E-Verify Participation Notice  

AO is an E-Verify employer. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with applicable federal requirements.