Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

Title: Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant

State Role Title: 49231

Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience

Pay Band: 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Piedmont Geriatric Hospital

Agency Website: pgh.dbhds.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

• Carry out treatment plans designed by a licensed physical therapist, including therapy techniques, exercises, and modalities like heat, ice packs and ultrasound.
• Perform screens on new admissions and observations on unit for PT caseload. Communicate progress towards set goals and patient response to treatment to the PT regularly, and in the patient EHR. Review patient charts for condition status and changes. Monitor and keep logs for use of adaptive equipment. Maintain adaptive equipment utilized for patient treatment.
• Encourage patients to actively participate in therapy and provide positive reinforcement. Address patient concerns appropriately.
• Maintain detailed patient treatment notes in the EHR, including any relevant observations. Adhere to Federal, State and Facility guidelines.
• Assist in caseload management per instruction of the PT.
• Assist Physical Therapist with staff in-service training.
• Provide training for new employees on the use of mechanical lifts and use of gait belts. Provide annual CNA Lift Training when instructed. Administer class assessment, competency check off’s and trainer evaluation and organize for distribution to the appropriate departments upon completion of training.
• Provide positive and supportive assistance to the Allied Health Department.

Minimum Qualifications

• The employee should possess knowledge of physical therapy and mental health issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with patients, hospital staff, families and community personnel.
• Ability to follow instructions precisely and knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
• Possess good organizational and time management skills to complete daily treatments, documentation and to assist with other departmental tasks as directed.
• Ability to appropriately monitor rehabilitative aide staff.
• Computer skills and the ability to document patient progress within the state EHR is essential.

Additional Considerations

• Previous experience as a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (LPTA) is preferred but not required.
• Relevant geriatric and mental health experience preferred.
• Experience documenting in the EHR preferred.

Special Instructions

PGH is a facility operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). PGH is a 123-bed psychiatric facility and the only facility that exclusively serves individuals over the age of 65.

PGH’s mission is to provide person-centered mental health services to enable the older adult to thrive in the community.

PGH’s vision is to be recognized as a leader in the mental health treatment of the older adult, as a model hospital, a teaching center, and a resource for other providers. PGH’s vision is further to be seen as an indispensable component of the state system of community-based services, and as the most efficient provider of geropsychiatric services.

PGH’s values are honesty, excellence, accountability, respect, and teamwork.

Applicants must list all relevant experience that you wish to be considered for this position. Applicants will be provided confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position. A fingerprint-based criminal history check and reference checks are required for the selected candidate for this position. Under Virginia Code §37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is prohibited from employing or using as volunteers, persons who have been convicted of specific “barrier” crimes or persons who may be the subject of pending “barrier” charges.

DBHDS facilities are no longer required to ensure that all staff members are vaccinated against COVID-19. However, facilities encourage and educate staff on the benefits, and continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination programs to staff, residents/clients. Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Human Resources.

Commonwealth’s Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor with the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS, to get their Certificate of Disability. To obtain a Certificate of Disability go to: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx or call DARS at 800-552-5019.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (804) 518-3339 for assistance.

DBHDS is an equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability. Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.  

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

 

Contact Information

Name: Tricia Wilson

Phone: 804-518-3339

Email: tricia.wilson@dbhds.virginia.gov

 

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.