PTA

PACS

About The Position

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role provides treatment as directed by the Physical Therapist and supports resident mobility, independence, safety, and rehabilitation goals. The assistant communicates with the supervising therapist and the care team, documents treatment, educates residents and caregivers, and contributes to facility rehabilitation and quality improvement activities. The position requires an associate degree from an accredited PTA program and a current state Physical Therapist Assistant license in good standing. Employees must meet applicable continuing education requirements and may need additional facility-appropriate certification and CPR certification if required by licensure. Proficiency with computer data entry, including systems such as Net Health and Point Click Care, is expected. The work environment typically has low to moderate noise. The physical demands include frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting and other postures; and lifting, moving, or manipulating residents and equipment. The position also requires effective communication and the ability to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental information. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable laws.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited PTA program.
Proficiency with computer skills, including entering data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.
Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state; maintain the license in good standing with the state board.
Meet continuing education requirements applicable to state practice.
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 mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagram, or schedule-form instructions.
CPR certification if required by licensure.

Nice To Haves

Additional certification as appropriate for the facility.

Responsibilities

Treat residents as directed by the Physical Therapist.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with 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 other 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.
Assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.