Physical Therapy Assistant

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) reports to the Physical Therapy Department of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. (PM&RS) in the Texarkana Outpatient Clinic, Texarkana, TX. The majority of duties and responsibilities of this position are carried out within the medical center's outpatient and inpatient care areas. Occasionally, the PTA may assist in other areas associated with the physical therapy section of PM&RS as directed by the Supervisory Physical Therapist.Duties included but not limited to:Receives and interprets requests or instructions for procedures from the physical therapist or physician. Plans and implements specialized treatment programs, some of which are for patients with complex medical problems and applies physical therapy procedures to patients under the general supervision of a physical therapist. Employee may carry out or oversee the work of lower graded assistants to accommodate requests.Utilizes physical therapy data collection and assessment techniques in order to perform specific interventions and to monitor and capture progress of the patient/client. Independently implements treatment plan using knowledge of techniques related to the patient's disability and needs.Assists therapist in development of a comprehensive specialized treatment plan that includes long- and short-term goals.Assists in the performance of, or independently performs, highly specialized and diversified treatment procedure. Utilizes the full range of modalities including heat, cold, sound, electricity, and massage.Varies procedures or positions to adjust for veterans' medical conditions. Modifies treatment techniques based on the learning needs and perceptions of the patient. With prior approval of the therapist, adapts the technical procedures and approaches involving new and unusual treatment and rehabilitation objectives to meet the individual veteran's needs.Prepares and presents written and oral reports for the ward physician, physiatrist, nursing staff, fellow therapists and all other professionals concerned with the patient's care. Works with Physical Therapists and other interdisciplinary healthcare team members to evaluate patient information for planning, modifying, and coordinating treatment programs and discharge planning.Maintains a safe work environment to include non-technical maintenance of equipment, safety checks, cleaning, stocking, etc. Develops safe work habits to prevent injury to patients, co-workers and self. Reports to Lead Physical Therapist the need for equipment or items necessary for patient treatment.Maintains a high level of competence through participation in continuing education programs. Assists with the supervision and training of student physical therapy assistants, volunteers, work students and other healthcare practitioners.Ensure appointments are scheduled in accordance with established policy regarding use of appointment management and the Electronic Waiting List. Appointments are established based on the provider or patient desired date for the appointment. Appointment dates 120 days or greater will be placed on the Electronic Wait List for removal based on appointment availability ensuring that removal is based on priority group or treatment for a service-connected condition.Identifies patient by having patient state full name and full social security number (or full name and date of birth if patient unwilling or unable to state full social security number). If patient is unable to provide the requested identification, a family member or caregiver is asked to identify the patient by stating the patient's full name and social security number (or full name and date of birth if unwilling or unable to state full social security number).Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday - subject to change based upon the needs of the facility.Telework: Not Available.Virtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 00448-F,00447-F, 00449-F, 00446-FRelocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not AuthorizedPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized