Req #677 Job Description Summary The physical therapy assistant provides physical therapy services under the direction of the physical therapist and according to the physician's plan of care.    Essential Job Functions/Responsibilities: * Provides direct physical therapy according to directions of a qualified physical therapist and in accordance with the physician's plan of care and as defined in the state Physical Therapy Practice Act.  * Treats patient to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and maintain maximum performance.  * Directs and aids patients in active and passive therapeutic exercises, muscle reeducation, gait and functional training, transfer activities and prosthetic training.  * Utilizes physical agents, including, but not be limited to heat, cold, water, light, electricity, ultrasound, and massage.  * Observes and reports to the physical therapist and the Organization personnel the patient’s reaction to treatment and any changes in patient’s condition.  * Instructs patients in care and use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, canes, and prosthetic or orthotic devices.  * Maintains necessary records; clinical notes and conference notes, which will be incorporated into the patient’s clinical record in prescribed time frames.  * Participates in Organization Home Care Team Members meetings and Organization Inservice Education Program.  * Performs other duties as assigned.  * Must adhere to the company attendance and reliability guidelines, which are an essential function of the job to ensure quality, and consistent patient care.     The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbent(s) of this job. The incumbent(s) may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in the description.    Job Qualifications: * Graduate of an accredited physical therapy assistant program with either an associate’s degree in science or applied science that is approved by American Physical Therapy Association, Inc.  * Approved as a physical therapist assistant by the Physical Therapy Board of California  * Demonstrates good verbal and written communication and organization skills.  * Possess and maintain current CPR certification.  * Licensed driver with automobile that is in good working order and insured in accordance with the organization requirements.  * Must possess a valid California Driver’s License and Automobile Insurance coverage at all times.   * Must have a reliable form of transportation.     Physical Requirements: * The ability to sit occasionally for 1-3 hours.   * The ability to frequently stand for 3-6 hours.   * The ability to occasionally drive/ operate foot control for 1-3 hours.   * The ability to walk occasionally on level surface for 1-3 hours.   * The ability to walk intermittently on unlevel surface for less than 1 hour.   * The ability to intermittently bend or climb for less than 1 hour.   * The ability to occasionally twist, kneel, crouch and crawl for 1-3 hours.   * The ability to lift 50 pounds intermittently in less than 1 hour.   * The ability to carry up to 50 pounds intermittently in less than 1 hour.   * The ability to push up to 50 pounds intermittently in less than 1 hour.   * The ability to pull up to 50 pounds intermittently in less than 1 hour.