Physical Therapy Asst (PTA) PRN-PT

PACS

About The Position

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role involves providing treatment as directed by the Physical Therapist, documenting care accurately and promptly, maintaining a safe treatment environment, and communicating with the supervising therapist and the broader care team about resident progress, goals, and discharge planning. The assistant also supports resident education, staff training, equipment needs, quality initiatives, and rehabilitation program development. The position requires an associate degree from an accredited PTA program and an active state license as a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited 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 fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or scheduled instructions.
Current license as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state; maintain the license in good standing and meet state continuing-education requirements.
CPR certification if required by licensure.
Ability to stand and walk frequently; sit occasionally; and 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 communicate through talking and hearing and to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental cues.
Ability to assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident-handling practices.

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 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 about 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.