Physical Therapy Asst.

PACS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. This role involves treating residents as directed by a Physical Therapist, completing accurate documentation, and maintaining a safe treatment environment. The assistant participates in resident care conferences and rehabilitation meetings, and may assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides. Communication with the supervising physical therapist is key for updating physicians, nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families on progress and discharge planning. The role also includes providing in-services, educating residents and families on treatment plans and safety, and recommending durable medical equipment. Maintaining confidentiality and reporting equipment issues are also essential duties. The position contributes to quality assurance and facility rehabilitation program development, requiring the ability to relate positively with residents, families, and colleagues.

Requirements

Associate Degree from an accredited PTA program.
Proficient in computer skills such as inputting data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.
Ability to read technical procedures.
Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers and families.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state.
Employee must meet continue education requirements per state practices.
Must maintain a license in good standing at all time with the state board.
Determine additional certification as appropriate per facility.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.

Responsibilities

Treat residents as directed by 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, remain in accordance with the California Laws and Regulations related to Physical Rehabilitation Manual Article 4 § 1398.44.
Assist nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
Communicates 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.
Provides in-services on training programs for other staff in the facility as needed.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate the ordering of necessary durable medical equipment for residents to facilitate independence in mobility; i.e., splints, walkers, canes, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
Must maintain confidentiality of residents' information as well as company information.
Report any problems with department equipment so that it is maintained in good working order.
Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Ability to relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents/residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.