PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT III-CMHHIP

This position is open to current Colorado residents only.

 Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies

CMHHIP units provide comprehensive psychiatric and psycho-social evaluation and treatment by a multidisciplinary treatment team.  This includes:  24 hour nursing care and assessment; psychiatric intervention and evaluation; psychological services; psycho-social services; occupational therapy, educational and vocational rehabilitation services and recreational therapy. Patients are admitted from throughout the state from correctional, court, mental health, and other community facilities for long and short term treatment under court authority, as well as transfers from within CMHHIP and other units.   Legal statuses of patients include 27-65 civil commitments (M-1, M-3, Short and Long Term certifications); Incompetent to Proceed (ITP); Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity or Impaired Mental Condition (NGRI or NGR-IMC); court ordered evaluations for Sanity, Sex Offender issues, Competency.

The vision of the Physical Therapy Department at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHIP) is to guide patients towards their individual goals and optimum physical therapy recovery. The Physical Therapy Department provides a continuum of care by implementing Physician ordered and Physical Therapist prescribed individualized patient treatment programs.   The Physical Therapy department consults with the patients and providers to discuss treatment needs and goals of both the providers and patients. Education in patient therapeutic exercises is key to the overall improvement of the individual's condition.  The treatment can include, but is not limited to, patient education, therapeutic exercises, gait training, transfer training, manual therapy, neuromuscular reeducation and modalities.  Patient treatment population includes:  CMHIP patients. The CMHIP patient population needs consist of Geriatric, Orthopedics, and Neurology.  They include s/p TBI, s/p CVA, pre and post. op total joint replacements, s/p UE/LE fx, deconditioning, balance abnormalities, sprains/strains, acute and chronic pain.

This position is full time, scheduled Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on-site at CMHHIP.

This position is responsible for providing input and implementing treatment programs for CMHIP patients according to the outlined Physical Therapy Treatment Program Plan of Care, established by a Registered Physical Therapist.   The Physical Therapist Assistant provides sequential implementation of the Plan of Care established by the Physical Therapist, progressing treatment to meet established short term, long term and patient goals.  The Physical Therapist Assistant has regular and ongoing communication with the Physical Therapist regarding the patient's progress and ongoing status. The Physical Therapy Assistant will be responsible for documenting patient treatments, changes in condition and other pertinent information as required in the BEHR System. Patient care is done in a clean and safe environment. All physical Therapist Assistant treatment shall be in compliance with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) code of Ethics and Standards of Physical Therapy Assistant practice. Duties in this position include:

Implementation of Treatment Plans:
Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist:

• Responsible for input and implementing treatment programs for CMHIP patients according to the outlined Physical Therapy Treatment Program Plan of Care, established and reviewed by a Licensed Registered Physical Therapist

• Ongoing assessment, communication exchange and progression of patients progress 

• Application of Standards for Physical Therapist Assistants and PT related practices and principles  

• Documentation of Physical Therapist Assistant treatment programs  

• Actively involved in communication with unit staff on relevant client PT information

• Treats the clients that are on schedule for that day

• Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations and The Joint Commission standards

• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, reading periodicals, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations 

• Implement patient treatment plans 

• Performs certain aspects of patient evaluation and interventions

• Administers treatment programs as established by Physical Therapists

• Focuses on providing the highest quality treatment for patients that allows for excellent patient outcomes

• Assesses patient condition using knowledge of basic biological and medical science

• Instructs patients on physical therapy interventions, modalities and home exercise programs

Data Entry/Administrative: 
Under the supervision of the Physical Therapist:

• Provides PT Department computer patient data entry daily including missed physical therapy appointments

• Accurate documentation of Physical Therapist Assistant treatment programs

• Runs PT department daily schedule

• Runs monthly data entry after DME equipment sweep

• Performs other data entry/administrative duties as assigned by supervisor

• Documents in BEHR under AdHoc charting using the PT Daily Documentation note

Budget: 
Under the Supervision of the Physical Therapist:

• Checks Physical Therapy Department inventory and orders supplies through Central Sterile and authorized by the supervisor
• Determines if additional supplies are needed
• Ensures all documentation for purchases are kept and secured in the event of an audit

Discharge:
Under the supervision of a Physical Therapist:

• Returns checked out Physical Therapy durable medical equipment back to the PT Department inventory
• Updates equipment inventory
• Provides PT department and durable medical equipment cleaning as needed while including the supervision of IT workers in performing these duties
• Communicates with treating physical therapist on updated discharge client information

Other Duties as Assigned:

•  Performs any other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Experience Only:

Three (3) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position equal to three (3) years

AND
Must possess and maintain active Colorado Physical Therapy Assistant License


Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience treating patients with cognitive impairments, dementia, or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) affecting behavior  

• Proven success communicating with a psychiatric care team, including psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers    

• Expertise in applying ultrasound, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, and hot/cold packs safely     

• Ability to fit patients for and instruct them on using walkers, canes, and crutches.    

• Patience when dealing with irritable, depressed, or highly anxious patients who are navigating severe pain 

• Ability to translate complex biomechanical feedback into easy instructions for families, caregivers, and the supervising PT 

• Accurate daily documentation of patient progress and metrics to comply with insurance rules and care plans 

• Familiarity with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software and scheduling platforms 

Conditions of Employment:

• Full Background check and Reference Check required
• This position requires State of Colorado residency at the time of application (unless otherwise identified in the posting), and residency within the state throughout the duration of employment in this position
• Other Conditions of Employment specific to Program
• Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must:
  1. Disclose that information on the application.
  2. Explain why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify you from the current position.
  3. Provide your employee number from your prior State employment.  Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination and failure to provide this information will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.

• Shall not initiate or engage in sexual, social, personal or financial relationships with patients either during or any time after hospitalization, even if the patient requests or initiates such a relationship All relationships with current or former patients must be disclosed on your application
• Successfully pass all modules of the CMHIP New Employee Orientation core curriculum to include English reading comprehension, relevant competency assessments and written/practical exams in Defensive Tactics
• Possess the physical ability to successfully complete hospital required physical intervention training and CPR
• Lift arms above head and kick as high as own waist
• Stabilize another person to accomplish a controlled containment to the floor
• Withstand impact on own body using an ASP shield
• Rotate body 90 degrees with feet planted for using a defensive tactic
• Kneel on one or both knees and stand up again with multiple repetitions
• Must be able to see and hear in order to observe, address and respond to potential breaches in safety
• Seize, hold, control or subdue violent or assaultive persons and defend oneself or others to prevent injury
• Demonstrate body agility, strength of all four limbs and the ability to walk and climb stairs consistently
• Work in situations involving assaultive behavior, physical control of another person and/or restraint situations
• Ability to read and comprehend the English language; effectively and fluently communicates in English, both verbally and in writing
• 2-step TB (tuberculosis) screening is required of all new employees upon hire
• Annual influenza vaccination
• Other vaccinations as required by the State of Colorado

CDHS Selection Process Explanation:

Employment history is calculated on a full-time basis (40/hrs. per week). Part-time employment is calculated on a prorated basis to determine qualifications. Be sure your application specifically addresses your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position and minimum requirements. 

• Preferred Qualifications & Competencies:
  • Relevant years of state service experience.

Minimum Qualification Screening Process:

A Human Resources Analyst will review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application to determine whether your experience meets the minimum qualifications for the position.  You must complete the official State of Colorado online application.   Cover letters and resumes WILL NOT be reviewed during the minimum qualifications screening process. You must specifically document your work experience and qualifications in the application form. Do not use "see resume" or "see attached."

You must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process.  Part-time work experience will be prorated.

Comparative Analysis Process – Structured Application Review:

After minimum qualification screening, the comparative analysis process will involve reviewing and rating of all the information you submit. The comparative analysis step may also include your results from standardized testing. 

Your Work Experience/Job Duties:

Document your work experience/job duties to the extent to which you possess the skills, education, experience, minimum qualifications, and preferred qualifications. 

If listed, answer all supplemental questions as your answers to these questions will be evaluated during this phase. Provide at least 4-8 sentences for each supplemental question.    

Supplemental Questions:

Answer the supplemental questions completely and thoughtfully. We will rate your answers  based on the content of your response and your writing skills (spelling, grammar, and clarity of your writing).

APPEAL RIGHTS:

You may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director if your application is eliminated.  You will find the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it on the State Personnel Board website.

• You or your representative must sign and submit the official appeal form for review  
• You can find the official appeal form here 
• You must be deliver the official appeal form to the State Personnel Board:
  • By email ([email protected]), or
  • Postmarked in US Mail to(1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203, or 
  • Hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or
  • Faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.

Contact the State Personnel Board for assistance:

• At (303) 866-3300, or
• Refer to the  Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, within the Rules webpage

For additional recruiting questions, please contact ellie.cassio@state.co.us 

About Us & Benefits: 

If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, join the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. Each of us is committed to contributing to a safe and accessible CDHS. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
• Medical and dental health plans
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
• Paid life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
• State of Colorado Employee BenefitHub Resource Center
• Employee Wellness program
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
• Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
• *Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Our Values:

• We believe in a people-first approach: We prioritize the needs, well-being, and dignity of the individuals, families and communities we serve. We commit to respect, fairness and access in every decision, policy and interaction. We engage client voices and experiences in the development and implementation of the services we provide
• Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement
• We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado
• Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public
• We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy
• Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans

ADA Accommodations:
CDHS is committed to a Colorado for ALL qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment. 

This includes completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].

EEO Statement:

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer

We are committed to increasing a “Colorado for ALL" of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of all backgrounds and abilities.   
 
The State of Colorado believes that a “Colorado for ALL” drives our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Additional Support For Your Application:

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support

If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time).  Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application 1) ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and 2) close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.