Physical Therapy Assistant

Provides skilled assistance to the Physical Therapist carrying out plans of care and providing direct treatment. May also perform functions such as patient transport, health promotion/disease prevention activities, community services such as health fair and community education.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (include, but not limited to the following)

• Develop plan of care for patients with neuromusculoskeletal disorders based on and in collaboration with physician; suggests appropriate changes to plans and goals based on patient response to treatment.
• Assesses patients referred to physical therapy for pain management, physical disability, Diabetic foot problems, and wound care.
• Writes concise, informative, legible progress notes in correct format.
• Monitors vital signs, recognizes changes in patient status, and uses independent judgment to discontinue a procedure or therapeutic exercise as indicated. Notifies the therapist and/or physician provider of changes in patient status and responds immediately and appropriately to potentially life-threatening events.
• Administers neuromusculoskeletal assessment and treatment and carries out therapeutic programs for patients with a wide variety of neuromusculoskeletal diagnoses that impair function and result in pain.
• Provides independent treatment of wounds including whirlpool and/or irrigation, non-surgical debridement, and dressing changes.
• Administers treatment which is age appropriate and provides patient/family education for wellness/rehabilitation including activities of daily living, gaiting and other mobility issues, balance/coordination activities, cognitive issues, extremity function, life-long fitness/quality of life issues.
• Assists the therapist with splinting and bracing, seating systems and other adaptive technology, and neurodevelopmental techniques and activities.
• Provides comprehensive gait training including proper use of crutches, canes, walkers, and assistive appliances (braces, artificial limbs, and supports); ensures correct fit of all assistive devices and appliances.
• Fits orthosis to patients and makes adjustments as indicated. Provides patient/family education about foot care, orthoses care, and selection of appropriate protective, supportive shoes.
• Trains patients and their families to carry out home programs of exercise and activities of daily living based on patient and/or family needs and the home environment.
• Provides pre-operative instructions according to established protocols.
• Provides instructions for established health promotion/disease prevention programs including diabetic foot care & shoe selection guidelines.
• Completes and keeps current competencies, professional knowledge, skills, and abilities for all physical therapy modalities, therapeutic exercise programs, procedures, and equipment in the Physical Therapy Department.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• At least 1 year of previous clinical experience.
• Associate's Degree from a school or college approved by the American Physical Therapy Association
• Current State of Arizona licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant
• Current BLS certificate or the ability to obtain within 30 days

Indian Preference and Equal Employment Opportunity

SCAHC gives preference in hiring to San Carlos Apache Tribal members and other Native Americans in accordance with the San Carlos Apache Tribe's Tribal Preference Policy, as set forth in Section 402 of the Tribe's Human Resources Department Policies and Procedures Manual. Otherwise SCAHC does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect him/her because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, SCAHC complies with all applicable federal, and Tribal laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.