Serves as Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) for a designated work area within the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). Performs a wide range of complex PTA duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection to perform specific aspects of evaluations and interventions. MAJOR DUTIES: 1. Serves as Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) for a designated work area within the Medical Treatment Facility (MTF). Performs a wide range of complex PTA duties requiring an advanced practical knowledge of physical therapy, evidence-based medicine and data collection to perform specific aspects of evaluations and interventions. The PTA works under the general supervision of the Physical Therapist (PT). The incumbent independently performs day-to-day duties with the supervisor providing general guidelines regarding the nature of therapeutic activities and the program in general. Under the direction of the PT, plans, coordinates, and administers diverse physical therapy programs for wounded, ill and injured patients, as well as other beneficiaries, with a wide range of physical and behavioral health diagnoses and disabilities. Provides interpretation of PTs findings to initiate care, considering patients neurological, surgical, sensory, respiratory, cardiac status, gait ability, posture, age, and general health. In consultation with attending PT, determines the length of patient treatment period. Makes recommendations and utilizes the various modalities of physical therapy, as prescribed, to include diathermy, hydrotherapy, massage, electrotherapy, ultrasound and therapeutic exercise. Designs a patient progressive treatment plan, utilized and designed to restore and maintain range of motion, strength, endurance, coordination, relaxation as well as promote healing, pain relief and improvement of functional independence. Provides updated status in patient progress reports, as well as other administrative reports. 2. Initiates, implements, plans, and recommends progressive treatment plan with consideration of patients neurological, surgical, sensory, respiratory, cardiac status, gait ability, posture, age and general health, under the direction and supervision of the PT. The treatment plan is designed to restore and maintain maximum range of motion, strength, endurance, coordination, and relaxation in accordance with PT evaluation and treatment plan. Ensures treatment plan is designed to maximize results in promotion of healing and pain relief while ultimately improving the patients functional independence. Instructs and reviews all home program precautions and contraindications with patients and family members on use and application of physical modalities for home environment. Provides instruction to patients, family members and/or other health workers to perform selected treatment procedures and functional training activities. In the clinic environment, exercises responsibility for the comfort and well-being of patients. Follows and executes treatment plans, and objectives. Judges whether the treatment is causing an adverse effect on other conditions not currently under treatment. Tracks procedures effects on patients, long-and short-term effects of different types of therapy, and appropriateness of a specific therapy, noting overall trends in efficacy, reporting problems to supervisor. 3. Shares technical expertise with other therapy assistants, physical therapy students and other interdisciplinary team members. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to make recommendations for the patients rehabilitation and reintegration needs. Participates in instructional programs, as directed by the PT, to include teaching other personnel in sound, proper methods of physical therapy treatment. Assists in planning and coordinating in-service training for professional and non-professional personnel. Documents information related to all patients care in accordance with guidelines from the American Physical Therapy Association, The Joint Commission, current protocols and as directed by the supervisor. Completes required data collection for workload management, analysis, research studies and prepares statistical reports as required. Participates in peer reviews (quality assurance). Assists in maintenance of supply levels and determination of supply needs. Attends pertinent meetings as requested by the supervisory therapist and/or clinic director. Completes administrative duties as required, including but not limited to checking in patients, scheduling, and template management. Coordinates and prioritizes own time in relation to overlapping demands of administrative duties and patient treatment. Instructs students and designs specific training programs for physical therapy assistant interns as required. 4. Masters new techniques and modality proficiency by studying current literature and conducting required research. Researches new therapy equipment and makes recommendations for purchase. Evaluates and recommends equipment changes in bracing, use of crutches, canes, and wheelchair accessories. Attends lectures, meetings and conferences providing subject matter expertise recommendations when required. Attends staff meetings and in-service training programs. Contributes to marketing physical therapy services throughout the MTF. Maintains treatment areas, administrative area, and personal spaces in a safe, orderly manner. Performs non-technical maintenance of equipment to prevent malfunctions. Actively assists the supervisor in making decisions relative to administrative responsibilities in the areas of supply, equipment and personnel. Maintains continuing education and training requirements. PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.