Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Performs physical therapy treatments under the direction of a licensed physical therapist to include teaching the patient basic skills and ensuring successful functioning at home and in the community.

Qualifications

Completion of an accredited two-year Physical Therapy Assistant program; Basic Life Support Health Care Provider card or obtain one within one month of hire; and demonstrated human relation and effective communication skills required.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated requirements. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

1. Implements physical therapy treatment programs as outlined by care plan established by a physical therapist to improve patient's body functions and to relieve pain.
2. Trains patient's ambulatory skills through strengthening and stretching exercises to improve their functional activity.
3. Assists with instructing patients in the care and use of braces, wheelchairs, crutches, canes, walkers, prosthetic devices, bandages and other assistive devices.
4. Adapts treatment procedures to the patient's specific daily routine within the limits specified in the treatment plan.
5. Consults with the physical therapist concerning the patient's evaluation and progress.
6. Assists the physical therapist in performing tests, evaluations and complex treatment procedures.
7. Communicates and interacts with other team members and the patient's family and care givers.
8. Formulates discontinuation of patient care and follow-up plans under the supervision of a Physical Therapist.
9. Provides documentation of patient care in accordance with established criteria.
10. Schedules patient appointments and prioritizes case load.
11. Maintains treatment area, equipment and supply inventory.
12. Participates in continuous quality improvement projects.
13. Directs the activities of aides and volunteers.
14. Participates in activities such as departmental in-services, conferences, staff and team meetings, continuing education courses, clinics and research.

Problem Solving

This position has the authority to provide timely, appropriate and quality physical therapy services to patients; provide work direction to aides, volunteers and physical therapy assistant students; and respond to emergency situations according to policy and procedures.

Representative major challenges for this position include responding to emergency situations such as disasters, fire drills, cardiac arrest, fainting, choking and dysreflexia. These situations need to be responded to immediately to ensure the safety and well being of patients. Other challenges include modifying treatment activities for a variety of diagnoses and level of patient acuity; and prioritizing case loads to ensure that optimal service and patient care are provided in a timely, appropriate and quality manner.

Comments

Participates in rotation of work area, weekends, week day hours and assigned holidays.

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.