Physical Therapy Assistant

PACS

27d

About The Position

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role involves treating residents as directed by a Physical Therapist, maintaining accurate and compliant documentation, and supporting safe treatment practices. The assistant communicates with the supervising therapist and the care team about resident progress, goals, and discharge planning; educates residents, families, and caregivers; and supports facility rehabilitation and quality improvement activities. The position also involves assisting with staff training and recommending durable medical equipment to support residents’ mobility and independence.

Requirements

Associate Degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program.
Proficiency with 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 mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state.
Meet continuing education requirements applicable to state practice.
Maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
CPR certification if required by licensure.
Ability to stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally.
Ability to occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed to provide resident care and operate equipment.
Ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment; exertion may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds.
Ability to talk and hear effectively to interact with residents, families, and the healthcare team.
Ability to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental cues.

Nice To Haves

Additional certification as appropriate per 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 necessary 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.