Job Summary:   The physical therapy assistant is responsible for providing safe and effective delivery of patient care through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of patient and family needs within the parameters of the Illinois Physical Therapy Practice Act in order to deliver care promoting optimal recovery and rehabilitation.  The physical therapy assistant promotes safe and effective care to all age groups from infants to geriatrics, coordinating care with the physician and any others involved in the patient’s care.  The physical therapy assistant will provide care throughout the continuum and rotate through the various therapy sites as needed.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Supports patient’s rights and responsibilities, including respect of cultural and religious diversity.
2. Demonstrates flexibility to meet staffing needs of department/organization and appearance.
3. Meets productivity standards, accepting low census time and/or extra time as needed.
4. Demonstrates leadership abilities while appropriately following the chain of command.
5. Provides age-appropriate and population specific care in a safe, skillful, accurate and efficient manner to infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, school age children, adolescents, adults and geriatrics as appropriate to treatment area(s)
6. Assesses patient and family learning needs and provides ongoing education and evaluation.   
7. Documents readiness to learn, teaching, barriers and outcomes.
8. Identifies patient care to formulate and/or contribute to the discharge plan.
9. Completes documentation accurately and in a timely manner, according to hospital policies and procedures.

Education Requirements and Other Requirements:  

Education Level:   Graduate of a physical therapy assistant curriculum approved by the American Physical Therapy Association

                Certification/Licensure:   Licensed in the State of Illinois

Experience Requirements:   One year of experience in a health care setting is required to provide home health services.  

Other Requirements:   Must be able to complete computer work.  Driving and reliable transportation is a necessity for Home Health Care and Early Intervention visits.