Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant, Mon-Fri, 35hrs/wk, Lincoln

                                                                   JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:   Outpatient Physical Therapist Assistant                                       
Job Code: 221005 
Immediate Supervisor:  OP Clinic Manager                                                                Status: Non-Exempt
Schedule: Mon/Wed/Fri: 10am-5:30pm at Wellness Club location, Tues/Thurs: 9am-4:30pm at Northwest Clinic
                                                                                                                         

DEPARTMENT FUNCTION/JOB OVERVIEW

Responsible for implementing physical therapy treatment for assigned patients under the supervision of a physical therapist, in order to restore function, relieve pain and prevent disability according to state practice act.  Deliver quality patient care from admission through discharge including patient and family education/training as well as outcomes assessment. Maintain accurate and timely documentation including monitoring visit utilization and insurance authorization. Work will be performed in an ethical and legal manner following organizational policies, processes, protocols and procedures. Responsible for quality service delivery and internal/external customer relations for Madonna as a whole, including upholding the mission and values for the department and facility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

            (INFORMATION)

1. Record pertinent patient information in order to document changes and comply with legal and ethical standards, including daily charting, team summary, insurance justifications, and plan of care.
2. Contribute to the assessment process through independently performing goniometric measurements, manual muscle testing and other standardized assessments.
3. Record daily treatment charges and equipment billing in order to insure fair and accurate financial records.
4. Consult and meet with a supervising physical therapist, to analyze and revise treatment programs on a regular basis to ensure continuing appropriate intervention.
5. Monitor patient's response to treatment and report information to appropriate supervisor.
6. Modify therapeutic interventions to accommodate the age of the patient population within plan of care established by supervising therapist.
7. Accurately complete outcome tools on patients.
8. Compile, record and analyze information through chart audits in order to ensure quality documentation.
9. Assist in obtaining customer satisfaction data.
   
               (PEOPLE)
10. In coordination with a supervising physical therapist, provide physical therapy treatment to patients, including but not limited to therapeutic exercise, gait training, functional activities, pain management, physical agents, hydrotherapy, and appropriate utilization of group therapies in order to facilitate patient recovery.
11. In coordination with a supervising physical therapist, instruct patients and families/caregivers in functional activities and exercise programs in order to facilitate follow up on discharge.
12. Assist patients and families with recommendations, ordering, and fitting of needed equipment.
13. Provide education regarding the patient's condition and/or disease process so that patients and families will have a basic understanding.
14. Supervise therapy aides, students and volunteers.
15. Communicate effectively with patients, families, staff, referral sources and outside contacts/sources.
16. Follow instruction from supervisor and supervising therapist to perform other functions as assigned in order to achieve the goals within the department and the program.
17. Participate, confer and negotiate at team meetings to develop an appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
18. Must perceive customer relations as a primary focus, and continually strive to satisfy the needs of every customer in all areas of the work force.
19. Complete department and facility competencies.
20. Assist with planning and coordination of new staff orientation and provides advice and guidance for new staff members.
21. Instruct and teach students from professional programs for physical therapy assistants.
22. Instruct and teach staff new information through in-services, mentoring and educational offerings.
23. Participate and assist in department and facility committees and/or task forces.
    
        (THINGS)
24. Operate equipment used for physical therapy treatment including but not limited to ultrasound, electrical stimulation, diathermy, precision loading, Lokomat, functional electrical stimulation, LiteGait, Aretech and ICARE.
25. Maintains a clean, organized and safe environment.  Handles and operates all necessary equipment and performs required duties according to established safety standards to maintain compliance with regulations and prevent injury.
26. Handle and operate all necessary equipment including mechanical lifts and performs required duties according to established safety standards to maintain compliance with regulations and prevent injury.
27. Must be able to operate copier, telephone, fax machine and have basic computer skills, including e-mail, word processing, and therapy documentation and charging.
28. Use sphygmomanometer to accurately measure blood pressure.
    
               
    PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
    
    Medium work with frequent lifting.  Moderate assist transfers for a patient of 250 pounds who is able to use his/her upper extremities for support routinely requires pulling/lifting force of approximately 50 pounds to be generated in order to complete a safe transfer. Requires sufficient strength to produce 50 pounds of force to push a wheelchair with a 300-pound individual on level surfaces. Constant walking with maximum duration of up 30 minutes sustained walking on tile, carpet and other surfaces. Must tolerate frequent standing with sustained periods of up to one hour on tile, carpet, and shower surfaces. Must tolerate frequent sitting with sustained periods of up to one hour.  Frequent reaching with both arms at low, waist, and high levels. Frequent grasping of both hands for transfers and repositioning requiring normal grip strength based on national averages. Frequent stooping, bending, and twisting are required for patient care. Constant near visual acuity to evaluate and monitor patients.  Requires sufficient sight to see and read reports and computer screen.  Requires sufficient hearing and speaking to communicate by phone or in person.  May be exposed to biohazardous materials. May be exposed to patients who are in an agitated or aggressive state. May experience prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humid conditions and to disinfecting chemicals used in the pool. Mobility required for travel to scheduled events or meetings as needed.
    
    
    QUALIFICATIONS (Education/training and/or Experience)
    
    Must possess current Nebraska certification. Associate degree in physical therapist assistant program.  CPR for Health Care Provider/CPR for Professional Rescuer required at time of hire or within 30 days from date of hire.
    
    May be required to drive a motor vehicle.  If required to drive, must have current valid Nebraska driverâ??s license, must submit a copy of current driverâ??s abstract reflecting a good driving record, and have the required mobility needed to drive.
    
    Background checks are conducted.  When specific authorization forms are requested so that full background and history can be obtained, employees/applicants must sign the form(s) requested.