Physical Therapy Assistant

Summary

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) position is located in the Physical Therapy Section of the PM&R in North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System. The position is responsible for direct patient care within PM&R of Veterans with a variety of orthopedic - neurological - and systemic impairments. The PTA works under the supervision of a Physical Therapist (PT) to provide services that promotes the prevention - remediation - and rehabilitation of acute and chronic physical dysfunction.

Duties

• Administers Patient Treatment:
  Positions or repositions patients using proper transfer devices (example transfer belt - sliding board) and procures assistance when necessary Adjusts and issues assistive devices for ambulation and instructs patients in their use
• Instructs - motivates - and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities (example ambulation - transfers - and bed mobility)
• Instructs - motivates - and assists patients to improve pulmonary function
• Instructs patient in principles of cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary endurance
• Instructs patients in proper gait patterns
• Consistently displays appropriate respect - recognition and understanding of the patient in terms of their age/level and/or cultural background
• The PTA is sensitive to any special needs that may come from age or culturally related factors
• Modifies treatment approaches - within the scope of the established plan - to reflect patients' changing needs only with collaboration with evaluating PT
• Implements and coordinates intervention plan - under the supervision of an PT - in the following sensorimotor areas:
  Range of motion Muscles strength Gross motor coordination
• Endurance Postural balance
• Tactile awareness Energy Conservation Joint protect Positioning Evaluating vital signs Fitness and Lifestyle Coordinates/Interfaces with Others:
  Coordinates intervention plans with other members of the treatment team
• Will communicate effectively with peers - health professional and volunteers
• Interacts effectively with patients - families and/or significant others
• Maintains adaptability (will adapt to change in a professional manner).Cooperates well with other staff - physicians
• Facilitates and maintains a positive working relationship and facilitates a cooperative work environment
• Displays honesty and mutual respect when communicating with peers and other services Facilitates solutions on problems that may compromise patient care by using appropriate chain of command
• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm Telework:
  Not Available Virtual:
  This is not a virtual position
• Relocation/Recruitment
  
  Incentives:
  
  Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS):
  Not Authorized