Physical Therapist Asst. - PT

PACS•Westminster, CO

About The Position

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role treats residents as directed by the Physical Therapist, supports rehabilitation and restorative-care activities, and communicates with the supervising therapist and care team about resident progress, goals, and discharge planning. It also involves educating residents, families, and caregivers, maintaining compliant documentation and a safe treatment environment, and contributing to facility quality and rehabilitation initiatives.

Requirements

Associate Degree from an accredited PTA program.
Proficient in computer skills, including entering data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.
Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state.
Meet continuing education requirements according to state practices and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
Maintain additional certification as determined appropriate by the facility.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including standing and walking frequently; occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; and reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and manipulating objects and equipment.
Ability to assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident-handling practices.
Ability to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing, and to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental cues.

Responsibilities

Treat residents as directed by the Physical Therapist.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation according to facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection-control, safety, and equipment-maintenance protocols.
Participate in Resident Care conferences and/or Rehabilitation meetings as needed.
For California PTAs, comply with California Laws and Regulations related to Physical Rehabilitation Manual Article 4 § 1398.44.
Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
Communicate routinely with the supervising Physical Therapist to provide timely updates to physicians, nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
Provide in-services on training programs for facility staff as needed.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall-prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering durable medical equipment to support residents' mobility and independence, such as splints, walkers, canes, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
Maintain confidentiality of residents' and company information.
Report department equipment problems so equipment can be maintained in good working order.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.