Physical Therapist Assistant

The Department of Public Health's Tewksbury Hospital is looking for a Physical Therapist Assistant to join its Rehabilitation Therapy team. Physical Therapist Assistants provide prescribed Physical Therapy services to clients with physical disabilities under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist. Physical Therapist Assistants work with acute and chronically ill adults of all ages, frail, elderly, and mentally ill patients while maintaining total care and custody of the individual.
Tewksbury Hospital is a Joint Commission-accredited long-term and acute care hospital that provides comprehensive treatment, care, and comfort to adults with medical and/or mental illnesses. A full range of services are provided including 24/7 nursing, nurse practitioners, medicine, as well as psychiatric and psychological services, a six bed inpatient dialysis unit, clinical laboratory, radiology, respiratory care, nutrition, speech/language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, therapeutic recreation, and pharmacy. This clinical environment is strictly governed by regulatory standards that mandate day to day interventions and services.
This position is 40 hours per week, and the schedule is Mon-Fri, 7am-3:30pm.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
Carries out prescribed Physical therapy treatment such as electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage, application of hot and cold packs, paraffin baths, transfer and gait training, exercise programs, biofeedback, etc. to achieve established treatment plan objectives.
Instructs clients and staff (including Rehab aides) in self-care skills including the proper use and care of prosthetic devices, orthopedic appliances, and supportive devices such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, canes, etc. as directed by Physical Therapist.
Assists Physical Therapist in assessing and evaluating client’s abilities and needs.
Collects data by observing clients during treatment sessions and documenting clients’ responses, progress, changes in attitude, behavior, condition; provides information for client treatment plans.
Prepares reports on such matters as number and type of clients treated.
Conducts in-service training; provides consultation; and instructs staff in such matters as proper positioning, use of equipment, etc.
Maintains records on client attendance, treatments, equipment used, etc.
Performs related duties such as escorting clients to and from treatment area, attending to clients during treatment, cleaning equipment, scheduling clients, and attending in-service training programs and meetings.
Supervises Rehab aides, P. T. assistant students, and volunteers to ensure effective delivery of service and compliance with DPH and DMH programs and policy.
Required Qualifications:
Knowledge of the principles of Physical Therapy.
Knowledge of the terminology used in connection with Physical Therapy.
Knowledge of the treatment methods, techniques and procedures used in Physical Therapy.
Knowledge of the types and uses of orthopedic appliances.
Knowledge of the types and uses of prosthetic devices.
Knowledge of the social, psychological and educational problems of the physically handicapped.
Ability to understand and apply the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
Ability to interact with people who are under physical and/or emotional stress.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions.
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of the policies, procedures, specifications, standards, and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
Knowledge of the types and uses of agency forms.
About the Department of Public Health:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to prevent illness, injury, and premature death, to assure access to high quality public health and health care services, and to promote wellness and health equity for all people in the Commonwealth.
We envision a Commonwealth in which all people enjoy optimal health. Massachusetts ranks among the healthiest states according to comparative analyses, but we face numerous challenges, including chronic and infectious disease, substance abuse, violence, preventable hospitalizations, and health disparities.
DPH coordinates programs and policies to address specific diseases and conditions and offer services to address the needs of vulnerable populations. We also develop, implement, promote, and enforce regulations and policies to assure that the conditions under which people live are most conducive to health and enable people to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. We license health professionals, healthcare facilities and a variety of businesses that impact public health. We operate the state laboratory and four public health hospitals. We monitor health status and manage vital records including births, marriages and deaths. We educate people about public health issues and work closely with local boards of health and community partners to identify and solve public health problems.
More information can be found at: MA Department of Public Health
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www. mass. gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests.
For questions, please contact Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 ext. 4.

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: None.

Special Requirements

I. Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator's license.

II. Possession of a current and valid Physical Therapist Assistant license issued by the Massachusetts Division of Licensure Board of Allied Health Professionals in accordance with Chapter 667 of the Acts of 1982.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 (“Regulation”) requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100%25 of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.