Physical Therapy Assistant Ridgewood Manor Health and Rehabilitation

Vitruvian Health•Dalton, GA

42d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Physical Therapist Assistant works under the direction of a registered physical therapist to assist with treatment of referred patients across all age populations, primarily geriatric patients. The role requires applying knowledge of growth and development and assessing patient information in relation to age and medical needs. The position is based in the home setting and involves considerable driving, patient lifting and transfers, and care that follows physical therapy certification requirements, ethical practices, and state documentation requirements. The assistant carries out treatment programs and procedures as directed by the registered physical therapist, monitors patient response and safety, documents care, supports patient and family instruction, and helps coordinate daily care. The role also includes maintaining accurate records and charges, supporting efficient department operations, collaborating with staff and other care providers, contributing to professional education and quality improvement, and safely operating and maintaining equipment. Employees are expected to protect patient confidentiality, communicate professionally, and promote the organization’s standards for quality care.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program.
Registered Physical Therapist Assistant or eligible for licensure in the State of Georgia.
One year of experience.
Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage in accordance with Hamilton Health Care System Driver Requirements policy.
Basic first aid and CPR techniques and license.
Ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of patients’ needs.
Skills appropriate to the age group of patients served.
Ability to meet state documentation requirements.
Ability to lift and transfer patients.
Full range of motion, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination.
Corrected vision and hearing within the normal range.
Ability to work with some exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids.
Ability to perform considerable driving.

Responsibilities

Assist with treatment programs for patients of all ages, primarily geriatric patients, as developed and directed by a registered physical therapist.
Prepare patients for procedures through appropriate draping and positioning, administer directed treatment, monitor patient response, and consult with the registered physical therapist about treatment modifications.
Document ongoing treatment, patient response, and care in accordance with department procedures.
Maintain patient safety and assist with safe patient transport as requested by the registered physical therapist.
Assist with family instruction as assigned and document treatment and response.
Complete patient care records, charges, quality-improvement documentation, and other department reports accurately and on time.
Assist with preparation of the daily schedule and organize patient care priorities effectively.
Manage time and assignments, assist other staff, coordinate equipment and treatment space, and communicate with home health staff to support continuity of care.
Orient new personnel as requested and perform other assigned duties.
Maintain professional competency through seminars, departmental in-services, literature review, staff education, community education, and special projects as assigned.
Operate equipment according to department procedures and safety standards; report equipment problems, return equipment to storage, keep equipment and treatment areas clean, and report supply needs.
Protect client privacy and confidentiality and provide supportive communication to patients, families, visitors, and medical center personnel.
Collaborate with medical center departments and outside agencies to meet patient needs; clarify unclear directions and provide visitor assistance when requested or needed.
Introduce self and role, explain procedures before beginning, and assess home environments for safety hazards, reporting hazards to supervisors.
Follow organizational and departmental policies, performance standards, professional conduct expectations, and attendance requirements.