Physical Therapist Assistant - Cherokee Nation

Responsibilities include administering physical therapy treatments to patients, working under direction of and as assistant to Physical Therapist.

Routine duties shall include providing health care services to individuals eligible for services in accordance with the self-governance compact and funding agreement between the Cherokee Nation and United States executed under the authority of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act. Administers a program of direct physical therapy consisting of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients, as determined by the evaluation performed by the Physical Therapist. Instructs, motivates, and assists patients to learn and improve functional activities such as preambulation, transfer, ambulation, and daily living activities. Observes patients during treatments and compiles and evaluates data on patients' responses to treatments and progress and reports orally or in writing to Physical Therapist. Provides assistance to the Physical Therapist during patient testing, evaluations and complex procedures. Fits patients for adjusts, and trains patients in use and care of orthopedic braces, prostheses, and supportive devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Gives orientation to new Physical Therapist Assistants and directs and gives instructions to Physical Therapy Aides. Performs clerical duties such as taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephones, taking messages, scheduling appointments and filling out forms.  Measures patient's range-of-joint motion, length and girth of body parts, and vital signs to determine effects of specific treatments or to assist Physical Therapist to compile data for patient evaluations. Monitors treatments administered by Physical Therapy Aides. Participates in educational programs and in-service training. Attends meetings. Considers specific patient variables, such as communication skills, motivation and stamina, and adapts techniques and/or makes adjustments to equipment to meet the needs of the patient. Maintains sensitivity to patient comfort and privacy. Maintains confidentiality. Maintains records, reports and files. Other duties may be assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT

Graduate from a program for Physical Therapist Assistant accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education or approved successor organization. 

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT

No additional experience is required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must possess a valid driver's license with a driving history verified through a motor vehicle report that meets requirements for Cherokee Nation underwriting rating. Must possess and maintain a Physical Therapist Assistant License issued by the Oklahoma Medical Board. Must possess Basic Life Support (BLS) and maintain it throughout employment. Can be obtained during orientation.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

The employee must not be and will not be under sanction by the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or by the General Services Administration (GSA) or listed on the OIG's Cumulative Sanction Report, or the GSA's List of Excluded Providers, or listed on the OIG's List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE). Must be able to operate standard office machines and computer programs.

Must meet and maintain pre-employment and periodic background investigation and adjudication for child care.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT   

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.