$30.06-32.56/hr

Implements physical therapy programs as determined by the supervising physical therapist. Assists the physical therapist in student evaluations. Informs physical therapist of changes in resident status. Assists in maintaining a safe and orderly clinic and maintains equipment and machinery as assigned. Participates in educational, research and quality improvement programs. Implement physical therapy programs and assist in student evaluations. Assist in maintaining equipment and machinery.

Performs physical therapy procedures with assigned students, including: therapeutic exercise to increase or maintain range of motion and/or strengthen muscles; gait training, conditioning, and wheelchair mobility programs; chest physical therapy; positioning, handling, and modifications of equipment to facilitate relaxation and optimal functional status; training in self-care activities (i.e. feeding), stimulation to facilitate development; and application of selected modalities, such as massage, and quarterly review of joint flexibility, under the direction of a Physical Therapist.

Assists the physical therapist(s) in the evaluation of students’ progress. Identifies changes in student status and/or response to treatment, utilizes considerable judgment in the interpretation of the situation and student condition, and reports observations to supervisor. Records in student files the treatments given, any reactions or responses, and other relevant comments in a timely manner.

Attends meetings (i.e. team conferences) as assigned to discuss student treatment programs and physical therapy concerns. May represent the department at meetings when specifically requested. Participates in team discussions in an articulate, positive and productive manner.

Maintains equipment in proper working order. Performs routine repairs. Prepares requisitions for routine items and maintains department inventory as assigned.

Instructs staff members, as assigned, in principles of habilitation, and appropriate student care techniques such as mobility, lifting and back safety techniques, pulmonary care and other techniques specific to individual student programs.

Attends departmental staff development activities. Presents topics of PT/OT relevance or student case histories, indicating background, diagnosis, treatment, results of treatment and special concerns. Comments on in-services presented by colleagues.

Assists in the orientation of new staff members and other clinical staff.

Maintains proficiency in physical therapy by attending workshops, conferences and treatments given by other physical therapists and assistants.

Attends all mandatory in-services and participates in facility based teams and committees, as requested by supervisor.

Adheres to established policies and procedures.

Current registration and license or eligibility for licensure as a physical therapist assistant with the Board of Allied Health Professions, Division of Registration, Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Broad and thorough knowledge of physical therapy procedures typically acquired through an Associate Degree in Science from a school accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association, involving two years of education and three to six months clinical experience.

Ability to establish rapport with students, families, supervisor and related personnel; and to motivate careful adherence to treatment programs by students, families, and staff as appropriate.

Ability to maintain poise and effectiveness during clinical situations.

Physical therapy treatment involves close physical contact between students and assistant, requiring the ability to provide treatment in a manner which protects the personal rights of the patient.

Strength and dexterity are needed to lift and maneuver patients, and to manipulate, adjust, and calibrate equipment used in treatment programs.