Physical Therapist Assistant

PACS

12d

About The Position

The 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, communicates routinely with the supervising therapist about resident progress and care planning, and helps educate residents, families, and caregivers. The assistant also supports safe treatment practices, facility rehabilitation programs, and related staff training. The position requires an associate degree from an accredited PTA program and an active Physical Therapist Assistant license in the state. The employee must meet continuing education requirements and maintain a license in good standing. The work environment is usually low to moderate in noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited PTA program.
Proficient 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 effectively present information 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 instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state.
Meet continuing education requirements under state practice requirements and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
Ability to stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally; occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed for resident care and equipment operation.
Ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment, with exertion that may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds.
Ability to talk and hear effectively and perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual information for resident care.
Ability to assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.

Nice To Haves

Additional certification as determined appropriate by the facility.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.

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 ensure 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 necessary durable medical equipment to support residents' mobility and independence, such as splints, walkers, canes, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
Maintain confidentiality of resident 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.