Physical Therapist Assistant

Non-Exempt/Hourly – PRN (as needed) position reporting to the Physical Therapy Director. This is an on-site role in Goodland, KS; not eligible for remote or hybrid work.

About the Role

Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities of treatment and managing exercise programs. The PTA delivers treatments and physical agents as directed by the physical therapist after the therapist has evaluated the patient, serving both inpatients and outpatients. The role focuses on restoring patient functioning to prevent disability following injury, disease, or physical disability, and assists patients in reaching their maximum performance and level of functioning while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct one-on-one therapy with patients, including exercises, manual therapy, education on home programs, gait training, and adaptive equipment training.
• Follow the plan of care and goals as documented by physical therapist evaluations.
• Demonstrate proper safety practices in carrying out job duties.
• Complete pertinent documentation within 24 hours under supervision of a physical therapist.
• Wear identification while on duty and demonstrate appropriate job competencies in accordance with licensure.
• Comply with organizational policies and adhere to standards of physical therapy medicine’s best practices.
• Observe and evaluate treatment effects, discussing observations with the physical therapist.
• Perform components of appropriate assessments on all patients and reassess as per policy, including adolescents, geriatric patients, and the general patient population.
• Assist with formulation of a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and assess effectiveness of learning; include family in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrate knowledge of physical therapy modalities and exercise equipment; manage and operate equipment safely and correctly.
• Communicate appropriately and clearly to physicians, facility staff, and department members.
• Maintain records pertinent to personnel, treatment, and operation of the department.
• Foster good working relationships within the department and with other departments.
• Adhere to dress code; maintain a neat and clean appearance.
• Complete annual education requirements and certification renewal.
• Communicate effectively in English.
• Assist in maintaining budget controls and expenses; enter patient charges and treatment statistics in the computer.
• Participate in operational aspects of the department and maintain performance improvement activities.
• Update the Physical Therapist timely regarding patient progress or lack of progress toward goals.
• Teach patients on adaptive equipment, functional mobility skills, and home exercise programs.
• Report any compliance or quality issues within 24 hours of occurrence in SQSS and to the Physical Therapy Director.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or greater from an approved school of Physical Therapy.
• Current state license for Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Experience preferred in outpatient and inpatient settings; new graduates welcome.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Sincere desire to help people and improve their quality of life.
• Ability to work independently while being a team player.
• High degree of professionalism, good motivator, advocate, and problem solver.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to commute to Goodland, KS 67735.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

Majority of work time spent sitting in outpatient and inpatient areas and departmental confines; some movement about the office and department is necessary.

• Stand: Occasionally
• Walk: Occasionally
• Sit: Occasionally
• Squat/Kneel: Occasionally
• Bend: Occasionally
• Lift/Carry: 0-10 pounds: Occasionally, 10-20 pounds: Occasionally, 20-50 pounds: Never, 50-100 pounds: Never, 100+ pounds: Never
• Push/Pull: 10-25 pounds: Never, 25-50 pounds: Never, 50-100 pounds: Never, 100+ pounds: Never

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position accountabilities without compromising patient care or departmental efficiency.

Professional Requirements

• Adhere to policies, procedures, and always maintain confidentiality.
• Attend annual in-services and complete annual education in a timely manner.
• Represent the organization in a positive, professional manner on the job, electronically, and in the community.
• Comply with all hospital policies regarding ethical business practices; communicate the mission statement and core values both on and off the job.

Pay

From $29.09 to $35.84 per hour.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, with weekends as needed.