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 planof care, as delegated, directed and supervised by a licensedPhysical 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 thePhysical Therapist of changes in condition, progress, and barriers toprogress to collaboratively modify the treatment plan to optimizeoutcomes.• Educates the patient, family and caregivers regarding lifestyleimprovements, home exercises, body mechanics, safety, infectionprevention as related to the Physical Therapist Assistant scope ofpractice and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to thepatient/family needs including age, culture, gender, readiness tolearn and level of comprehension.• Efficiently completes documentation and billing in accordance withregulatory standards and policies exhibiting an understanding ofrequirements and ethical practice.• Appropriate to the site of service, the Physical Therapist Assistantcomplies with the documentation requirements of different payers interms of content, frequency, timeliness, and authorization ofservices required for that treatment setting.• Adheres to established regulatory requirements forcommunication with the supervising Physical Therapist(s).

Professional Conduct and Quality

Participates in patient care conferences or other care coordinationdiscussions needed to align and/or optimize care.• Assists and advises leadership in the development andimplementation of quality services, programs, policies andprocedures.• Maintains competence in the administration of data collection toolsused to quantify progress and outcomes.• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and maximize the patientexperience by participating in process improvement and otherprogram development activities.• Maintains a safe and orderly work environment by keeping the workarea clean, observing policies and procedures relating to safety andinfection prevention. (hospital, department, clinic and/or home care)• Assists with and maintains compliance with governing bodyrequirements specific to the care setting.• Ongoing commitment to reducing costs and improving productivity.• Fosters professional relationships that offer opportunities forenhanced patient access or care delivery.• Exhibits flexibility with assignments including hours of operation tomeet 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 seekstraining/education as needed to remain current in physical therapytheory, practice, technology, and ethics.• Exhibits a willingness to accept and learn new skills andincorporates constructive feedback into clinical practice.• Has a “continuing competence” mindset that seeks ongoingprofessional development and involvement in professional activitiesthat enhance therapy practice.• Assumes responsibility for own professional growth anddevelopment 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 acustomer/patient-focused approach.• Clinical proficiency: Knowledge of physical therapy modalities; strong clinical reasoning;proficient with patient-care skills; uses usual and customary equipment and appropriatePPE (gloves, gait belt, gowns, masks).• Critical thinking and decision-making: Applies problem-solving and analytical skills withappropriate independent judgment.• Organization and time management: Plans and organizes work; manages priorities anddeadlines; 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 understressful working conditions.• Technology proficiency: Proficient in computer use and applications, including MicrosoftOffice; 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, orpersonal vehicle as needed.• Regulatory and Accreditation Compliance: Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA,TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.