The state of Texas offers many benefits to employees. HHSC is a qualifying organization for the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which forgives the remaining balance on college student Direct Loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. We also offer excellent health benefits, a lifetime monthly retirement annuity as well as 401(k) and 457 Programs under the Employees Retirement System of Texas. If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!
The role of a Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) is to provide essential support in the field of rehabilitative and habilitative therapy. PTAs collaborate closely with certified Physical Therapists to administer treatment programs, assist patients in their recovery from various illnesses and injuries, and ensure they regain optimal functionality. PTAs should be able to complete patient exercises. This includes instructing and encouraging patients in performing therapeutic exercises, both manual and non-manual, as well as ambulatory and daily-living activities. PTAs also play a vital role in patient education, helping individuals understand and use supportive devices, like crutches and prostheses, effectively. They are responsible for creating a safe and conducive treatment environment, offering personalized care for individuals with diverse conditions, including infectious diseases and co-morbidities. Their work significantly contributes to patients' well-being, recovery, and improved quality of life.
Essential Job Functions:
Promotes and maintains health by providing physical therapy services under the supervision of a physical therapist. Contributes to a physical therapist’s effectiveness by identifying patient care issues. Assesses patient health by interviewing patients, performing physical examinations, and obtaining updating, and studying therapy histories. Evaluates abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist’s interpretations of patient evaluations and test results. Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records. (25%)
Administers treatment programs for patients. Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises and instructing, encouraging, and assisting patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities. Helps patients in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses. (25%)
Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens, giving normal growth and development information, and promoting wellness and health maintenance. Maintains production objectives by noting current treatment trends and monitoring actual physical therapy services rendered to production objectives. (15%)
Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations, and adhering to infection-control policies and protocols. (10%)
Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations and Joint Commission standards. (10%)
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading periodicals, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations. Enhances physical therapy reputation by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests and exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments. (10%)
Performs other duties as assigned. Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location. (5%)
Knowledge Skills Abilities:
Knowledge of policies and procedures relevant to the facility, HHSC, the State of Texas, and the CTD Department.
Knowledge of adult education principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of training procedures and methods.
Knowledge of group processes, dynamics, and interpersonal relations.
Skills in designing, writing, editing, and producing educational, informational, and technical materials (including reports) for various purposes to diverse audience(s).
Skills in analyzing data for the production of training materials and required departmental reports.
Skills in dealing with facility staff in a courteous and professional manner.
Ability to lead, instruct, and motivate others in a professional manner.
Ability to analyze training needs.
Ability to evaluate training effectiveness.
Ability to interpret policies and procedures.
Ability of organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks efficiently, effectively, and concurrently.
Ability to use computer systems, Microsoft software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet) or other training software.
Ability to use charts, graphs, spreadsheets, and other technological tools.
Ability to express oneself clearly both verbally and in writing in a professional manner.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and make varied decisions within broad guidelines/parameters.
Registration or Licensure Requirements:
1. Texas license or certification and must have passed Texas administered exam or the National Physical Therapy Exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
2. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
3. Must possess a valid Texas driver license or obtain it no later than 90 days after hire date to drive a state vehicle. Applicants with an out-of-state driver license must provide an original certified driving record from the state of driving licensure. Eligible driving record required based on HHSC Fleet Management must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Initial Selection Criteria:
1. Associate degree for physical therapy assistant from an accredited institution.
2. Experience with Microsoft Office products
3. Experience preferred but new graduates are welcome to apply.
Additional Information:
This position is eligible for the automatic 5% salary increase that will take effect on September 1, 2024, per the 88th Legislative session.
Employees must comply with all DSHS policies including immunizations, skin testing, and personal protective equipment.
Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks.
Employees will be fitted with and must perform assigned duties while wearing the required respiratory protective equipment.
The Texas Center for Infectious Disease is a Tobacco Free Campus.
MOS Code:
Note: There may be no military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information see the Texas State Auditor’s Military Crosswalk at http://www.hr.sao.state.tx.us/Compensation/JobDescriptions.aspx
Potential MOS codes PS, 120X, 15, 8802, 3S2X1, 8B200, 8T000, 81C0, 81T0
HHS agencies use E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS