Physical Therapy Assistant (PRN)

PACS

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role includes providing treatment as directed by the Physical Therapist, documenting care accurately and in compliance with facility, governmental, and payer requirements, and maintaining a safe treatment environment. The assistant communicates with the supervising therapist and the care team about resident progress, goals, and discharge planning, and educates residents, families, and caregivers on treatment and safety strategies. The position also supports restorative aide training, staff in-services, rehabilitation program development, and quality assurance initiatives. The assistant recommends and facilitates orders for durable medical equipment to promote resident mobility and independence, maintains confidentiality, and reports equipment problems. The role requires an accredited PTA program associate degree, state licensure, and the ability to meet physical demands involved in resident care and equipment handling. The work environment is usually low to moderate in noise level.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant 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 fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state of employment.
Meet continuing education requirements under applicable state practices and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
Obtain CPR certification if required by licensure.
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, including 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 environmental cues.

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 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 coordinate 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 about treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering necessary durable medical equipment to support resident mobility and independence.
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.
Assist, support, and transport residents according to safe resident handling practices.