Physical Therapy Assistant - Acute Care Adult

Department Overview

OHSU is Oregons only public academic health center. We are a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and southwest Washington. We are an institution of higher learning, with schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry and public health and with a network of campuses and partners throughout Oregon. We are a national research hub, with thousands of scientists developing lifesaving therapies and deeper understanding. We are a statewide economic engine and Portlands largest employer. And as a public organization, we provide services for the most vulnerable Oregonians, and outreach to improve health in communities across the state.

The purpose of this position is to function as a member of the Rehabilitation services patient care team by provider physical therapy services such as exercise, gait training, patient/family education and various other physical modalities to assist patients in improving strength, endurance, mobility, flexibility and decreasing pain. Assistants implement the treatment plan, which has been developed by a physical therapist, and assist in the process of discharge planning and post-hospital placement. They are expected to supervise physical therapy assistant interns and to assist with other educational and research activities conducted by the department or the hospital and meet hospital standards regarding documentation and productivity.

Function/Duties of Position

Provides skilled rehabilitation treatment

• Prioritizes care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
• Performs and documents skilled patient care activities, including direct treatment and caregiver/patient/family education
• Communicates patient needs and promotes carryover of strategies, precautions, etc. with nursing and other caregivers
• Updates recommendations to team regarding continuing rehabilitation needs and plan as patients condition and situations warrant
• Directs, supports and provides supervision as required for aides and volunteers
• Implements the treatment plan, which has been developed by a physical therapist.
• Observes/monitors patient status prior to, during, and after treatment is performed
• Reports unusual or unexpected patient responses to supervising therapists

Service

• Demonstrates excellent customer service and communication skills in all interactions with patients and family, including both telephone and face-to- face situations
• Demonstrates active listening skills and supportive, professional behavior at all times, to patients, families and staff
• Addresses complaints and problems promptly and courteously, involving management when indicated
• Communicates with patients and families, other healthcare team members, in a timely and cost-efficient, courteous manner

Caseload Management

• In collaboration with supervising PT as indicated, prioritizes patient care needs given medical necessity, discharge plan, medical stability and appropriateness to participate in rehabilitation
• Follows treatment plans to achieve identified goals; recommends adjustment to treatment plan when indicated
• Documents sessions in patients medical record in compliance with DNV, OHSU, OARs and third-party payer criteria
• Enters accurate codes for services performed and bills time in patient care accurately

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited physical therapy assistants educational program that included supervised field work and be eligible to obtain an Oregon physical therapy assistants license or temporary permit.

• At the time of appointment must have at least a temporary permit.

• Current American Heart BLS CPR certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Acute hospital, SNF, or inpatient rehab experience or student affiliation

Additional Details

Inpatient Hospital Environment. Ability to lift 40 lbs, repeatedly carry equipment weighing more than 5 lbs and walk extensively on hard and soft surfaces. Requires ability to respond quickly and appropriately to urgent medical situations that may arise. Frequent bending and reaching to navigate medical equipment or perform treatment is required. Must have knowledge of inpatient medical environments and equipment such as oxygen, ventilation, respiratory apparatuses.

Benefits:

• Healthcare Options - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation- up to 200 hours per year depending on length of service
• Sick Leave- up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial Tri-met and C-Tran discounts
• Additional Programs including: Tuition Reimbursement and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

All are welcome Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at ... or ....