PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT (TR/PRN)

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) at Riverside Healthcare works under the direction of licensed Physical Therapists to provide treatment interventions aimed at improving mobility, strength, and overall function. The PTA plays an essential role in supporting the physical therapy team by implementing care plans, assisting with patient exercises, and monitoring patient progress. This position is ideal for a compassionate, patient-focused professional who enjoys helping individuals recover from injury, surgery, or illness.

Essential Duties

• Assist Physical Therapists in providing direct therapeutic care by implementing exercise programs, manual therapy, and other interventions as outlined in the patients treatment plan.
• Monitor and document patient progress, reporting any changes or concerns to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Instruct patients in proper techniques for therapeutic exercises and safe use of mobility aids such as crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs.
• Help patients with mobility and transfers, ensuring safety during therapy sessions.
• Collaborate with the rehabilitation team to deliver patient-centered care that addresses the unique needs of each patient.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of therapy sessions in accordance with departmental policies and regulatory standards.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized therapy environment by preparing equipment and ensuring its proper functioning.
• Educate patients and their families on continuing exercises and activities to perform outside of therapy sessions to maintain progress.
• Meets the following productivity percentage on outpatient and inpatient rehab and Acute: less than or equal to 79.99 (NI), 80-83.99 (meets), greater that 84 (exceeds).
• Participates in Quality Improvement efforts, e.g., Journal Clubs, in-services, Magnet, chart auditing, etc. 
• Participate in care team meetings, case conferences, and continuing education to stay current with best practices in PTA.
• Demonstrates flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Non-essential Duties

• Assist with administrative tasks, including scheduling and coordinating patient appointments as needed.
• Actively participates in designated marketing programs (inpatient or outpatient)
• Contributes to community health initiatives and educational program
• Provide mentorship or support to occupational therapy interns or new staff as needed.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience in a physical therapy or rehabilitation setting is preferred but not required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Ability to safely assist with patient transfers, mobility tasks, and the handling of therapy equipment.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to follow detailed treatment plans.

Required Licensure/Education

• Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
• Current state licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant in Illinois.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to: 

• Chemicals: Clorazene, Virex, Germicidal wipes, Liquid paper.
• Video Display Terminals: Average
• Blood and Body Fluids:Overall, there is a minimal risk of exposure to blood and body fluid. Potential risk would be in the event of patient incontinence and open wounds treated in hydrotherapy. There is also some potential for risk in equipment failure such as a catheter or IV breaking.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Very Minimal.

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Needed for communication with patients and staff.
• Vision: Needed for reading and patient observation.
• Smell: N/A
• Hearing: Needed for patient communication. 
• Touch: Needed for patient evaluation and treatment, writing.

Activity/Lifting Requirements: 

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Twist: 5%
• Stand: 30%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 30%
• Kneel: 0%
• Lift: 10%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 5%
• Climb: 0%
• Bend: 5%
• Reach above shoulders: 1%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 20 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 35 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 75 lbs: Occasionally 
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required 
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 60 
• Twist:<5 
• Stand: 45
• Crawl: <5
• Walk: 30
• Kneel: <5
• Lift: <10
• Drive: <15
• Squat: <5
• Climb: 0
• Bend: <5
• Reach above shoulders: <5 

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): 

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs. 
• Normal weight: Often 
• Pushing &pulling Normal weight: some
• Fine Manipulation: Typing, writing.

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control:

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent):
• Inside hours: 7.5
• Outside hours: .5
• Temperature: Normal Range
• Lighting: Average
• Noise levels: Average
• Humidity: Normal Range
• Atmosphere:
• Special Hazards: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical: General use of exercise equipment and computers, modalities. Chemical additives for whirlpools, disinfectants.
• Protective Clothing Required: Gown, gloves or mask if there is potential contact with blood or body fluid.