Under the supervision of the Chief of Physical Therapy, the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) works as part of a team to provide physical therapy treatments under the direction and supervision of the HUHS physical therapists (who are responsible for the services provided by the PTA). The PTA maintains patient confidentiality, complies with HIPAA guidelines, conducts theirself with professionalism, and is an integral part of the HUHS Physical Therapy team.

Clinical Expertise:

• Follows a formal plan of care, as documented by the physical therapist (PT), to address individual patient needs.
• Has the knowledge, skills, and value-based behaviors needed to help the PT provide selected interventions.
• Implements selected components of patient interventions (treatment), obtains data related to the interventions provided, and makes modification of selected interventions either to progress the patient as directed by the PT or to ensure patient safety and comfort.
• Documents patient response to treatment in the EMR and progress toward goals for each visit according to APTA and departmental guidelines.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency in manual treatment, modalities (e.g., hyrocollator, ultrasound, electrical stimulation), therapeutic exercise, and gym equipment within the scope of PTA licensure.
• Refers patient back to primary PT for reassessment of patient status every 30 days.
• Provides effective instruction to the patient and family through standardized educational programs and individualized training.
• Documents patient education and home exercise program in the electronic medical record.
• Frequently communicates patient status with the primary PT to promote best care for patients. This includes whenever there is a significant change in the patient’s medical or functional status, either a decline or significant improvement.

Practice Management:

• Utilizes Lean principles in problem solving. Participates at the DIS Board, actively identifies areas to problem solve, and collaborates with team on developing creative resolutions.
• Maintains access and availability. Manages own provider schedules by filling available open slots and group classes from the patient cancellation list.
• Returns patient and clinician secure messages, emails, or phone calls in a timely manner.
• Communicates with physicians, PTs, and other members of the health care team, as needed, to coordinate patient care.
• Assists in meeting all standards for maintaining AAAHC accreditation in physical therapy.
• Maintains infection control policies and follows prescribed procedures for universal precautions, disposal of hazardous waste, and maintenance of a clean environment.
• Understands the department and facility fire, safety, and evacuation procedures.

Professional/Team Workplace Accountability:

• Maintains patient confidentiality and is compliant with HIPAA privacy rules.
• Participates in HUHS committees/departments/programs.
• Is punctual and prepared for patient care.
• Maintains professional conduct and appearance.
• Is actively committed to continuous quality improvement.
• Completes annual competency rating and self-assessment.
• Participates in the evaluation and recruitment of staff.
• Participates in the coordination of student program.
• Understands the expectations for patient care according to the treatment guidelines and professional responsibilities of the department.
• Provides educational in-services to the PT department.
• Participates in yearly professional development and continuing education.

Compliance:

• Adheres to the expectations and professional responsibilities of the department.
• Employs the standards, practices, and procedures of the department.
• Completes and complies with HUHS training requirements including HIPAA Privacy and Security.
• Reports non-compliance incidents to the supervisor, manager, and/or Compliance Officer.

• Must hold and maintain a current Massachusetts state PTA license
• Graduate from a CAPTE-accredited PTA program
• At least 2 to 3 years’ experience in outpatient musculoskeletal therapy
• Excellent communication and customer service skills

• 1 to 2 years’ experience in hand therapy

• Sitting and standing for extended periods of time
• Using near vision for reading
• Computer use for extended periods of time
• Lifting (approximately 20 to 30 pounds), bending, and other physical exertion

All Harvard University Health Services staff and staff affiliates are considered Health Care Workers and as a condition of employment must provide documentation of the following:

• Letter of good health from your personal health care provider.
• TB skin test (within past 3 months) or, if known skin test positive, documentation of previous chest x-ray, information about any past treatment.
• Documentation of immunity (positive antibody titers) for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.
• Proof of appropriate past immunization for Measles, Mumps, Rubella and Varicella.
• Hepatitis B vaccine series – required for staff with possible exposure to blood or blood borne pathogens.
• A current Flu vaccine (this season) and Covid vaccines to include the Primary series and Bivalent Booster.

The required medical documentation/medical clearances can often be obtained by contacting your Pediatrician, PCP, medical provider. Titers, TB Skin testing can be performed by appointment at Occupational Health facilities.

Harvard continues to place the highest priority on the health, safety and wellbeing of its faculty, staff and students, as well as the wider community. Information and details can be found via Harvard’s Coronavirus Workplace Policies website: https://hr.harvard.edu/corona-virus-workplace-policies.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/.

• Harvard University requires a pre-employment reference and background screening.
• Harvard University is unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

General Administration

USA - MA - Cambridge

403033 Staff Assistant III

On-Site

-

Part-time

053

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Criminal, Identity

Term Appointment from September 5, 2023 - December 22, 2023 and February 5, 2024 - May 31, 2024

Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 6 hours/week
Total: 24 hours/week

Harvard University Health Services is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace in which all employees feel valued and have a sense of belonging. These principles are integral to our work and are at the core of who we are. We actively seek applicants with demonstrated commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a working and learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds. We welcome, respect, and embrace individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, abilities, beliefs, and values.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.