Physical Therapy Assistant

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:   The Physical Therapy Assistant provides medically appropriate physical therapy services under the supervision of the Staff Physical Therapist to help patients reach their maximum functional performance.  Carries out job duties and works with others in a manner consistent with the Mission and Philosophy of Community Memorial Hospital.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• PATIENT TREATMENT: Demonstrates good skill and accuracy in and progressing rehabilitation programs and designing/ communicating home programs under the supervision and direction of a physical therapist.
• CUSTOMER (PATIENT) RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION:  Is good at welcoming customers warmly and demonstrates genuine concern for them.  Demonstrates compassion for and an understanding of clients and their families. Gives good verbal and non-verbal feedback and encouragement to clients.  Works well with customers who have difficult personalities, behaviors and/ or diagnoses (“the problem patient”).  Absence of complaints from patients or families.
• TIME USE/ORGANIZATION AND PLANNING OF WORK ACTIVITIES:  Uses time effectively and efficiently.  Uses support personnel to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.  During periods of heavy workloads, demonstrates the ability and willingness to handle increased caseloads by improving personal efficiency.  Organizes and plans work activities and personal schedule at the earliest reasonable time.  Completes projects and team duties on time and is prepared for and attends meetings on time.
• INITIATIVE:  Demonstrates willingness and ability to come in early, stay late and/or work outside of regularly scheduled hours as caseloads demands, and takes the initiative to do so.  Willingly teaches in-service classes when asked to do so.  Offers and assists coworkers with their work when requested to assist or when there is down time.
• DOCUMENTATION AND CHARGES:  Patient progress notes, discharge planning forms and treatment instruction to therapist are timely, complete, accurate and easy to follow.  Documentation on patients contains all key elements of care including assessment, treatment instruction and education provided.  Patient charges are done on time and accurately reflect the time spent and services provided to the patients.  Charges effectively for supplies and equipment provided, as evidenced by absence of or few lost charges.
• RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLLEAGUES AND CO-WORKERS:  Develops and maintains good relationships with colleagues, support staff, other departments and medical providers as evidenced by observed behaviors and absence of complaints.  Demonstrates positivity in the workplace with little focus on complaining and greater focus on solving problems.  Effectively handles conflicts with others if and when they occur.  Consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and positive behaviors in the workplace.

Education:  Graduate of an approved or credentialed Physical Therapy Assistant Program.

Licensure:   Licensed or license eligible in the State of North Dakota if applicable to degree and field.

Since 1885, CHI St. Alexius Health has been dedicated to leading health care in this region by enriching the lives of patients through the highest quality of care. We seek to continue our tradition of success and innovation with individuals dedicated to delivering the highest level of expertise and quality. Together we can continue to grow and support the legacy of CHI St. Alexius Health for many years to come.

CHI St. Alexius Health is a regional health network with a tertiary hospital in Bismarck, the system also consists of critical access hospitals (CAHs) in Carrington, Dickinson, Devils Lake, Garrison, Turtle Lake, Washburn and Williston and numerous clinics and outpatient services.  CHI St. Alexius Health manages four CAHs in North Dakota - Elgin, Linton, and Wishek, as well as Mobridge Regional Medical Center in Mobridge, S.D. CHI St. Alexius Health offers a comprehensive line of inpatient and outpatient medical services, including: a Level II Trauma Center, primary and specialty physician clinics, home health and hospice services, durable medical equipment services, a fitness and human performance center and ancillary services throughout western and central North Dakota.

CHI St. Alexius Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care.