Physical Therapy Assistant

Our Mission

All of us, for each of you, every time.

Our Vision

Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.

Our Values 

Listen~Love~Respect~Excel~Innovate

At Samaritan, we do more than deliver healthcare—we make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community every day. We’re committed to creating an exceptional workplace where professionals feel valued, supported, and inspired to provide outstanding care to every patient we serve.

This position is responsible for performing treatments, providing exercise instruction and demonstration for patients, under the supervision of the Physical Therapist.

This is a full-time position working 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday with open availability to work during day shift from 7:00am-5:30pm. Schedule will be determined upon hire.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assist the Physical Therapist during patient testing, evaluations and procedures.
2. Carry out a program of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients as determined by the Physical Therapist’s evaluation. Instruct patient on segments of the program, including proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, braces and prosthetic and orthotic appliances and devices.
3. Maintain and care for equipment and supplies. Responsible for maintaining current knowledge of the quality/location of all supplies and the status of equipment. Document maintenance and repairs. Assist in preparing the inventory reports.
4. Maintain department records, reports, and files as required.
5. Efficiently organizes the daily patient care workload.
6. Maintain a neat, clean, organized appearance in all work areas. Pillows and linens should be placed neatly. Equipment should be aligned properly in work areas.
7. Careful handling and use of all equipment. Thorough regular cleansing of equipment and all work areas according to department policy and procedures (i.e. whirlpools, hydrocollator pack machines, assistive devices, stainless steel cabinets, etc.). Obtain cultures of patient care equipment as instructed.
8. Provide thorough and professionally accurate in-service instruction for the Physical Therapy Department, interdepartmental employees and community as requested.
9. Assist registered Physical Therapists and Aides in monitoring quality improvement.
10. Maintain a respectful open rapport with Physical Therapy Director, immediately report to the director all pertinent information and unusual occurrences involving patient, physical therapy staff or self. Report any occurrences or decisions that have been executed during the absences of the Director. Report progress of projects.
11. Participate in educational programs and in-service meetings. Attends other meetings as required.
12. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and professional affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
13. Ensures no injuries to self or others by following safe work practices and policies. This includes, but is not limited to: security and safety, understanding of MSDS, equipment, infection control, fire, disaster, body mechanics and Basic Life Support.
14. Ensures self-compliance with organization policies and procedures, as well as labor agreements.
15. Ensures the interface with team members and other support groups is conducted in a courteous and efficient manner conducive with the organization’s values.
16. Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job function while representing the organization.
17. Ensures that additional accountabilities, as may be required, by management be handled in a manner necessary to meet organizational standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The individual in this position reports to the Rehabilitation Services Director. This position works closely with physicians and other healthcare personnel in order to provide high quality and appropriate patient care.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Education:
  1. Graduate of physical therapy assistant program of accredited college or university.
• License:
  1. Proof of a valid unexpired and unrevoked WA state PTA license
• Experience:
  1. Minimum of one (1) year experience working as a physical therapy assistant.
• Skills/Competencies:
  1. Demonstrates competency on equipment listed on department specific checklist.
  2. Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction, when necessary. Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and deliberate.
  3. Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making. Practices within legal and ethical guidelines.
  4. Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers/patients across the age continuum.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Occasional standing, walking, lifting, reaching, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing and pulling.
2. Good reading eyesight.
3. Must be able to perform moderate lifting requirements, up to approx. 50 lbs.
4. Potential for electric shock from electric equipment operated, potential for physical injury from lifting/dealing with heavy patients and potential for acquiring diseases from patient contact.
5. Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and/or family, and the public.

As a Samaritan professional, you will be asked to commit to being part of a culture grounded in our Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy that brings service and operational excellence to life each day while creating an exceptional experience for our patients, professionals, physicians, and students. Additionally, how we present ourselves matters, and adherence to our Professional Appearance Policy reflects the pride, respect, and professionalism we bring to those we serve.