About The Position
The Physical Therapy Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The assistant treats residents as directed by the Physical Therapist, documents care accurately and promptly, maintains a safe treatment environment, and communicates with the supervising therapist and the wider care team about resident progress, goals, and discharge planning. The role also involves educating residents, families, and caregivers; supporting restorative care and staff training; recommending appropriate durable medical equipment; and contributing to quality assurance and rehabilitation program development. The position requires maintaining resident and company confidentiality and keeping department equipment in good working order.
Requirements
- Associate Degree from an accredited PTA program.
- Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state of practice.
- Meet continuing education requirements under applicable state practices and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
- Proficient in computer skills, including entering data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.
- Able to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
- Able to present information effectively and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.
- Able to apply fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
- Able to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
- CPR certification if required by licensure.
- Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing and walking frequently; occasionally sitting and performing climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling; reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and manipulating objects and equipment; and assisting, supporting, and transporting residents using safe resident-handling practices.
- Able to communicate effectively, including talking and hearing, and 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 the Physical Rehabilitation Manual, Article 4 § 1398.44.
- Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
- Communicate routinely with the supervising Physical Therapist so physicians, nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families receive timely updates about progress, goals, and discharge planning.
- Provide in-service 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 resident 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.
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What This Job Offers
Education Level
Associate degree
