Physical Therapist Assistant

Elevation Healthcare, LLC•Griffin, GA

33d•Onsite

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides rehabilitative care to residents under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist (PT). The PTA implements treatment plans designed to improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance, functional independence, and overall physical performance. Working within a skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or post-acute care setting, the PTA helps residents achieve their highest level of function while promoting safety, dignity, quality of life, and successful rehabilitation outcomes.

Requirements

Regular and reliable attendance is required to perform the essential functions of this position.
Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Current state licensure, registration, or certification as a Physical Therapist Assistant, as required by state law.
Knowledge of Medicare, Medicaid, PDPM, managed care, and third-party payer documentation requirements.
Strong understanding of physical therapy principles, treatment techniques, rehabilitation practices, and restorative care concepts.
Ability to accurately implement treatment plans and provide individualized resident-centered care.
Effective communication, interpersonal, customer service, and teamwork skills.
Competence in clinical documentation and electronic medical record systems.
Strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to collaborate effectively with residents, families, healthcare providers, and interdisciplinary care teams.
Commitment to resident safety, quality outcomes, and evidence-based rehabilitation practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience in skilled nursing, rehabilitation, post-acute care, long-term care, or related healthcare settings preferred.
Current CPR certification preferred or as required by state regulations or facility policy.

Responsibilities

Implement physical therapy treatment plans established by the supervising Physical Therapist.
Provide therapeutic exercises, gait training, transfer training, balance activities, strengthening programs, and mobility interventions.
Assist residents in improving functional mobility, endurance, coordination, posture, and safety awareness.
Monitor resident response to therapy interventions and adjust activities based on safety, tolerance, and established treatment parameters.
Instruct residents in the safe use of walkers, canes, wheelchairs, prosthetics, orthotics, and other assistive devices.
Provide hands-on assistance with transfers, ambulation, positioning, and therapeutic activities as appropriate.
Observe and report resident progress, barriers to treatment, and significant changes in condition to the supervising Physical Therapist.
Accurately document treatments, daily therapy notes, progress reports, and billing information in accordance with facility and regulatory requirements.
Maintain documentation that supports medical necessity, reimbursement requirements, and clinical outcomes.
Communicate resident status changes, concerns, incidents, or treatment recommendations to the supervising Physical Therapist.
Assist with discharge planning and provide documentation supporting resident progress and recommendations.
Ensure compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, and third-party payer documentation requirements.
Participate in interdisciplinary care plan meetings, case conferences, and rehabilitation team discussions.
Collaborate with Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, nursing staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers regarding therapeutic exercises, mobility techniques, safety precautions, and discharge recommendations.
Communicate therapy goals, treatment progress, and recommendations clearly and professionally to residents, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
Support resident-centered care by promoting engagement, motivation, and active participation in therapy programs.
Provide therapy services in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and professional practice standards.
Maintain compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, PDPM, managed care, and rehabilitation reimbursement requirements.
Follow all HIPAA, infection prevention, workplace safety, and resident rights policies.
Maintain therapy equipment in a clean, safe, and functional condition.
Report equipment concerns, safety issues, resident incidents, and changes in condition promptly.
Promote a safe therapeutic environment for residents, staff, and visitors.
Participate in continuing education and professional development activities to maintain clinical competency.
Remain current with evidence-based rehabilitation practices, treatment techniques, and regulatory requirements.
Support departmental quality improvement initiatives and rehabilitation program goals.
Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and facility performance improvement activities.