Physical Therapist Assistant SL

Summary: 

Provide Physical Therapy and related services for patients under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) while maintaining positive levels of interaction with communities and clients in accordance with the principles and practices of physical therapy and within Reliant Rehabilitation guidelines.  Provide quality patient care including ongoing treatment per a plan of care, supervision of Rehab Techs (where required), and case management responsibilities.  Maintain professional conduct that represents Reliant Rehabilitation’s commitment to quality and service in all interactions with clients, including positive levels of interaction and rapport with communities and clients.  Adhere to all state and federal regulations regarding physical therapy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the licensed physical therapist, optimize the functional abilities and skills of patients in communities by:

1. assist in screening and providing input to initial evaluation of all patients as appropriate;
2. implement treatment for all assigned patients;
3. comply with state and federal guidelines regarding accurate and timely billing and documentation.
4. establish and maintain effective interactions with patient, interdisciplinary team, and other clientele which reflects patient-centered care.

• Provide direct supervision to rehab techs in tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes appropriate utilization of resources and enhances quality of patient in accordance with state practice acts, federal regulations, and Reliant Rehabilitation.
• Build a strong physical therapy program by participating in the following activates:

1. actively integrating physical therapy’s role into community and interdisciplinary treatment plan;
2. contributing to community patient care, utilization review, case management, administrative staff / department head, and family conference activities and communications, as directed by the PT;
3. establishing and maintaining a good working relationship with other health care professionals and colleagues in the community;
4. making appropriate referrals to other members of the rehabilitation team;
5. maintaining awareness of changes in patient population, patient conditions, and programs, and keeping the licensed or registered physical therapist informed directly, and in a timely manner, of patient progress and community issues;
6. adhering to established community policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control, and emergency preparedness situations; and
7. adhering to the requirements of the patient’s rights and privacy.

• Enhance clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities. 
• Maintain valid state license (where appropriate).  Maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of physical therapy and the health care environment.
• Understands various relevant payment models related to billing and treatment guidelines, as well as clinically appropriate means/modes of delivery.  Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines.
• Be compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a community.
• This position requires patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a workday/shift.  Must be capable of lifting thirty (30) pounds of dead weight alone.
• Maintain confidentiality of Reliant Rehabilitation, community, and patient information. 
• Must conduct self in an ethical, legal, and responsible manner at all times.
• Must adhere to the policies, principles, and guidance within the Team Member Handbook and Code of Business Conduct.
• Must be able to travel between communities during scheduled hours.
• Must be able to work varying hours and shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Attends all mandatory meetings, trainings, and assignments as delegated.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned

Competency:

Prior to beginning patient care for Reliant Rehabilitation, a peer PT may complete a Competency Checklist.

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Effective clinical problem-solving skills to include but not limited to: identify and prioritize issues in a responsive manner, develop sound and innovative action plans, execute action plans on a timely basis, and ensure appropriate results
• Be a strong team player
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to build strong relationships with a diverse population
• Ability to read, write, speak, and comprehend in English: instructions, correspondence, charts, memos, and reports
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, productive work environment

Education/Experience:

• Graduate of an APTA accredited school of physical therapy.