Physical Therapist Assistant

DEFINITION:

The Physical Therapist/ Physiotherapist diagnose and treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest, who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives.

LINE OF AUTHORITY:

Reports to Medical Director; Director of Nursing; and/or designated Supervisor; works in coordination for therapy services with the Registered Nurse and Licensed Practical Nurse, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from an accredited physical therapy education program; passing the National Physical Therapy Examination.
• Valid State of Florida Professional License.
• Have a minimum of one (1) years’ experience as licensed physical therapist
• Have six (6) months or more of experience in the care of infants and toddlers; pediatrics
• Employment references documenting skill in the care of infants and toddlers; pediatrics
• Hold a current certification in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Must be detail-oriented, following rules, and incorporating the PPEC’s policies and procedures to ensure safety and quality care.
• Must have physical abilities to adequately perform described duties.
• Able to see and hear adequately to respond to auditory and visual requests which relate to the coordination of PPEC activities.
• Able to speak in a clear, concise voice in order to communicate direction for PPEC activities and staff.
• Demonstrates adequate mental acuity to perform duties stated in job description.
• Demonstrates acceptable knowledge regarding exposure and safe handling of bodily fluids, and chemicals, and hazardous equipment.
• Demonstrates motivation to increase knowledge regarding PPEC and quality care.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Review physician's referral and patient's medical records to help determine diagnosis and physical therapy treatment required.
• Perform and document an initial exam, evaluating the data to identify problems and determine a diagnosis prior to intervention.
• Diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional abilities.
• Restore, maintain, and promote not only optimal physical function but optimal wellness and fitness; and optimal quality of life as it relates to movement and health.
• Test and measure: patient's strength; motor development and function; sensory perception; functional capacity; and respiratory and circulatory efficiency; and record data
• Prevent the onset, symptoms, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions, or injuries.
• Evaluate, fit, and adjust prosthetic and orthotic devices, splints, and other physical therapy assistive devices;and recommend modifications as needed.
• Construct, maintain and repair medical supportive devices.
• Assume leadership roles in rehabilitation; in prevention, health maintenance, and programs that promote health, wellness, and fitness; and in professional and community organizations.
• Play important roles both in developing standards for physical therapist practice and in developing health care policy to ensure availability, accessibility, and optimal delivery of health care services.
• As clinicians, physical therapists engage in an examination process that includes:

• To establish diagnoses, prognoses, and plans of care, physical therapists perform evaluations, synthesizing the examination data and determining whether the problems to be addressed are within the scope of physical therapist practice.

Job Type: Full-time

Medical Specialty:

• Pediatrics

Experience:

• PTA: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Miami, FL 33186 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person