Physical Therapy Assistant
Travis Air Force Base, CA 94535 US
Job Description
Currently recruiting a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to work at David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California. The Physical Therapy Assistant provides care for our nations active duty service members, their families, and retirees. The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is a full-time position, 80 hours per two weeks, 8 hour day shifts, Sun - Sat, between 7: 30AM to 4: 30PM. Full benefits, including 17 days did vacation/sick leave and 10 paid Federal holidays.
DUTIES OF THE PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (PTA):
- Provide guidance, mentor-ship and tutelage to fellow PTA's, Physical Therapy/Occupational Technicians, Physical Therapy/Occupational intern students.
- Performs weekend on-call coverage in the inpatient setting per clinic mission requirements.
- Provides direct therapeutic care to a diverse patient population with a variety of patient diagnoses to include but not limited to: TBI, orthopedic, podiatric, neurological, neuromuscular disorders, burns, ambulatory and no ambulatory patients.
- Performs a wide range of PTA duties requiring practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection to perform specific aspects of evaluations and interventions.
- The PTA works under the clinical supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT), PT NCOIC, or PM Flight Chief. The PTA independently performs day-to-day duties with the supervisor providing oversight and guidance on the nature of therapeutic activities and the rehabilitation program.
- Under the direction of the PT, the PTA coordinates, and administers diverse physical therapy programs for wounded, ill and injured service members, as well as other beneficiaries, with a wide range of physical and behavioral health diagnoses and disabilities.
- The PTA provide interpretation of PT's findings to initiate care, considering patients, neurological, surgical, sensory, respiratory, cardiac status, gait ability, posture, age, and general health.
- Determines the length of patient treatment period and makes recommendations for the various modalities of physical therapy, as prescribed, to include hydrotherapy, ultrasound, soft-tissue massage, electrotherapy, therapeutic exercise, and inpatient care duties.
- The PTA follows a patient progressive treatment plan to restore and maintain range of motion, strength, endurance, coordination, relaxation as well as promote healing, pain relief and improvement of functional independence.
- The PTA administers physical therapy treatment programs requiring a multifaceted approach determined by the patient's physical and mental conditions, which draws upon the use of both standard and nonstandard treatment procedures.
- Interpersonal skills are utilized in patient instruction, education, motivation, and coordination with physical therapy staff and the patient's families, to ensure compliance with stated therapeutic goals. Care involves a general knowledge in several areas of therapy, i.E. Vestibular, post-surgical orthopedic patients, medical patients, neurological patients, poly trauma patients, and post myocardial infarction patients.
- Instruct patients in the use and care of prosthetics, including gait training and related exercise programs.
- Exercise responsibility for the comfort and well-being of patients.
- Determine treatment objectives, judges whether the treatment is causing an adverse effect on other conditions not under treatment.
- Conducts therapy studies to track impact on patients, long and short-term effects of different types of therapy, and appropriateness of a specific therapy.
- Maintains patient treatment records by writing reports covering initial evaluation of patients, patient progress, and treatment determination.
- Assists with transfer or follow-up care of patients in this or other medical facilities, by annotating progress and coordination with the appropriate department.
- Shares technical expertise with other therapy assistants, physical therapy students and other interdisciplinary team members.
- Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patient s rehabilitation and reintegration needs.
- Participates in instructional programs, as directed by the PT, to include teaching other personnel in sound, proper methods of physical therapy treatment.
- Documents information related to all patient's care in accordance with guidelines from the American Physical Therapy Association, The Joint Commission, current military protocols and as directed by the supervisor.
- Completes required data collection for workload management, analysis, research studies and prepares statistical reports as required. Participates in peer reviews (quality assurance).
- Assists in maintenance of supply levels and determination of supply needs.
- Attends pertinent meetings as requested by the supervisory therapist and/or clinic director.
- Coordinates and prioritizes own time in relation to overlapping demands of administrative duties and patient treatment.
- Ensures proper and timely documentation of patient care IAW DoD and professional standards. Conducts required clinical and non-clinical administrative responsibilities, and maintains patient care records IAW APTA, TJC, AAAHC, and local policy standards.
- Manages priorities and deadlines to ensure temporal, quantity, and quality demands of workload are met. Monitors access to care and employs electronic systems, software programs, and databases for patient care documentation and administrative responsibilities.
- Fit patients for, adjust, and train patients in the use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (PTA):
- Associates Degree. Graduate from a college or university accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).
- Minimum of two years of experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant. A minimum of 12 months of orthopedic full-time experience within the last 24 months as a Physical Therapy Assistant.
- Licensure/Registration: Current, full, active, and unrestricted license to practice as a physical therapy assistant or possess current certification as a physical therapy assistant/technician as determined by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
- Possess and maintain Basic Life Support certification.
- Computer skill competency test required.
- U.S. Citizen (required for access to Government computer systems)
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS FOR THE PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT (PTA):
- Competitive pay
- 10 days paid time off per year plus 7 sick days per year
- 11 paid Federal holidays
- Health & Welfare allowance covers the cost of health insurance, long and short-term disability, and life insurance
- Dental and vision plans offered, 401(k)
ABOUT THE ARORA GROUP:
The Arora Group is an award-winning, Joint Commission-certified nationwide healthcare services company that, for almost 30 years, has provided medical care for the men and women who serve our country in the U.S. Armed Forces. Our mission is to provide world-class care and give our healthcare professionals opportunities to improve their skills, learn from the best, and serve the needs of active duty service members, their families, and veterans.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability