Physical Therapy Assistant

Overview:

UnityPoint-St Luke's Downtown

Inpatient

PRN (as-needed)

 

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is responsible for administering therapeutic interventions selected by and under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist, and within the scope of the profession, the State Practice Act, Licensure and policies of UnityPoint Health for Physical Therapist Assistants. The Physical Therapist Assistant is responsible for accurate documentation and billing as well as maintaining communication with the supervising Physical Therapist to inform a plan of care best suited for the environment in which care is provided. (ie: acute hospital, inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient, in the home, etc.)

Why UnityPoint Health?:

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:    

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

 

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

 

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

 

Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Responsibilities:

Clinical Excellence and Care Delivery

Administers physical therapy interventions consistent with the plan
of care, as delegated, directed and supervised by a licensed
Physical Therapist in accordance with the scope of the profession,
the State Practice Act, Licensure and policies of UnityPoint Health.
• Monitors the respose to therapeutic interventions and notifies the
Physical Therapist of changes in condition, progress, and barriers to
progress to collaboratively modify the treatment plan to optimize
outcomes.
• Educates the patient, family and caregivers regarding lifestyle
improvements, home exercises, body mechanics, safety, infection
prevention as related to the Physical Therapist Assistant scope of
practice and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the
patient/family needs including age, culture, gender, readiness to
learn and level of comprehension.
• Efficiently completes documentation and billing in accordance with
regulatory standards and policies exhibiting an understanding of
requirements and ethical practice.
• Appropriate to the site of service, the Physical Therapist Assistant
complies with the documentation requirements of different payers in
terms of content, frequency, timeliness, and authorization of
services required for that treatment setting.
• Adheres to established regulatory requirements for
communication with the supervising Physical Therapist(s).

 

Professional Conduct and Quality

Participates in patient care conferences or other care coordination
discussions needed to align and/or optimize care.
• Assists and advises leadership in the development and
implementation of quality services, programs, policies and
procedures.
• Maintains competence in the administration of data collection tools
used to quantify progress and outcomes.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and maximize the patient
experience by participating in process improvement and other
program development activities.
• Maintains a safe and orderly work environment by keeping the work
area clean, observing policies and procedures relating to safety and
infection prevention. (hospital, department, clinic and/or home care)
• Assists with and maintains compliance with governing body
requirements specific to the care setting.
• Ongoing commitment to reducing costs and improving productivity.
• Fosters professional relationships that offer opportunities for
enhanced patient access or care delivery.
• Exhibits flexibility with assignments including hours of operation to
meet business and customer needs.
• Meets the expected productivity standard.

 

Program and Professional Development

Provides clinical supervision of Therapy Technicians and Students.
• Participates in staff meetings, interdepartmental meetings,
interdisciplinary meetings and committees as appropriate.
• Assesses personal strengths and areas of development and seeks
training/education as needed to remain current in physical therapy
theory, practice, technology, and ethics.
• Exhibits a willingness to accept and learn new skills and
incorporates constructive feedback into clinical practice.
• Has a “continuing competence” mindset that seeks ongoing
professional development and involvement in professional activities
that enhance therapy practice.
• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and
development in clinical practice, regulatory and fiscal issues.
• Participates in development and education of colleagues,
students and other staff.

Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited physical therapist assistant program with an associate’s degree; a certificate from an accredited PTA program is acceptable where recognized to meet state licensure educational requirements required.  Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience:  Less than 1 year entry-level/new graduate acceptable; satisfactory completion of clinical work required by the program attended; previous work/clinical experience indicating successful ability to assume responsibilities within a team context required.

License/Certifications:  Licensed as a Physical Therapy Assistant in state of practice required.  BCLS required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:  Fluent English communication: Reads, writes, comprehends, and speaks English;
effective written and verbal communication with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Cultural competence and patient focus: Demonstrates multicultural sensitivity and a
customer/patient-focused approach.
• Clinical proficiency: Knowledge of physical therapy modalities; strong clinical reasoning;
proficient with patient-care skills; uses usual and customary equipment and appropriate
PPE (gloves, gait belt, gowns, masks).
• Critical thinking and decision-making: Applies problem-solving and analytical skills with
appropriate independent judgment.
• Organization and time management: Plans and organizes work; manages priorities and
deadlines; meets time frames efficiently.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills; collaborates effectively;
facilitates team activities; contributes as a productive team member.
• Adaptability and stress tolerance: Adaptable and flexible; maintains composure under
stressful working conditions.
• Technology proficiency: Proficient in computer use and applications, including Microsoft
Office; basic computer concepts; intranet, email, and keyboarding.
• Professionalism and accountability: Demonstrates professionalism and accountability;
takes initiative; demonstrates motivation and commitment to self-development.
• Mobility between sites: Ability to travel to other facilities and operate a UPH, rental, or
personal vehicle as needed.
• Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance: Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA,
TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.