Physical Therapy Assistant

Central Maine Healthcare is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant to join our longterm care team at Rumford Community Home.

Full-time, 32 hours per week, benefit eligible 

Position Summary:

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), OPRS follows the outlined plan of care designated by the Physical Therapist.

• Provides treatment and instruction to patients according to acceptable principles and practices of Physical Therapy.
• Collaborates as a member of the health care team for the provision of comprehensive patient care.
• Consistent with training and competency review, provides care to  adult and geriatric patients in the long term care facilty setting.
• Responsible for administering physical therapy modalities and treatment as supervised
  by the staff physical therapist.
• The PTA assists with the restoration of patient functioning to prevent disability
  following injury, disease or physical disability. Assists patients to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities.
• The PTA participates in operational aspects of the department, maintains and participates in CQI activities.

Essential Duties:

• Demonstrates appropriate individualized therapeutic application and ability to deliver the following therapy treatment intervention of gait training, cardiopulmonary reconditioning, pulmonary hygiene, neuromuscular re-education, prosthetic/orthotic application and training, manual therapy skills, joint protection instruction, ergonomic and body mechanic instruction, instruction in assistive and adaptive device use, neuromuscular development therapy, wound management, sensory integration and patient and family education.
• Delivers treatment in compliance with departmental policies, protocols, and per the American Physical Therapy Association’s code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation.
• Consults and collaborates with the Physical Therapist for the intervention plan.
  Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the Physical Therapist. Maintains close collaboration with the patient’s Physical Therapist to assure patient treatment programs are effective.
• The Assistant reviews all recommendations for changes in the care plan with the supervising Physical Therapist prior to implementation.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Assists the Physical Therapist in the formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning. Family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Provides guidance and supervision to the department’s Aide Staff when they are involved in assisting patient care.
• Timely and correct identification of equipment and appliances that patients require. Provides guidance to the patient in obtaining this equipment.
• Demonstrates ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, modifies treatment session based on accurate interpretation of the patient’s response to treatment.
• Discusses observations with the Physical Therapist and identifies when the expected outcome is not achieved.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Timely and concise identification and communication of patient care needs beyond our system’s care continuum.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. Maintains department cleanliness and safety.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians and members of the health care team.
• Coordinates and assists with directing patient care to ensure patient’s needs are met and hospital procedures are followed.
• Maintains records pertinent to personnel and operation of the department.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other disciplines as appropriate to collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies in a timely fashion and handwriting is legible.
• Provides orientation and in-service training for staff members.
• Participates in infection control, departmental training equipment training and organizational CQI activities.

Education and Experience:

• Holds current license as Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS Certification required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to engage patients and team members utilizing the CMH Experience Standards

i. I am creating a warming, caring, and non-judgmental environment
ii. I am actively listening and seeking information
iii. I am honest, truthful, and consistent
iv. I am respectful, treating all individuals with dignity and empathy
v. I am serving as a role model, taking both initiative and ownership when appropriate
vi. I am working collaboratively and demonstrating teamwork
vii. I am resilient and adapt to change in positive ways.

• Demonstrated ability to direct and triage in a highly fluid dynamic operational environment.
• Ability to collaborate with all layers of the management/ administration team.

Central Maine Healthcare is an integrated healthcare delivery system serving 400,000 people living in central, western and Midcoast Maine. CMH's hospital facilities include Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston, Bridgton Hospital and Rumford Hospital. CMH also supports Central Maine Medical Group, a primary and specialty care practice organization. Other system services include the Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute, a regional trauma program, LifeFlight of Maine's southern Maine base, the Central Maine Comprehensive Cancer Center and other high-quality clinical services.

If you are passionate about making a difference and are looking for your next great career opportunity, we look forward to reviewing your application!

CMH actively promotes diversity in its workforce at all levels of the organization. We strive to create and maintain a setting where we celebrate cultural and other differences and consider them strengths of the organization. CMH is an equal opportunity workforce and no one shall discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status with respect to any offer, or term or condition, of employment. We make reasonable accommodations to the known physical and mental limitations of qualified individuals with disabilities.