Physical Therapy Assistant - PTA

Vierra Communities•Bethesda, MD

11d•$38 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

Carriage Hill Bethesda, a Vierra Communities property, is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant for its skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility. The role supports residents in regaining independence by carrying out physical therapy treatment plans under the direction of a licensed physical therapist. The facility describes its therapy department as a bright, open-concept suite with natural light and a positive, close-knit team environment. The assistant provides therapy services to residents with musculoskeletal deficiencies, neurological conditions, balance disorders, and transfer or gait deficits, following a written physician order. The position involves documenting and reporting resident progress, coordinating therapy sessions with nursing staff, preparing required records, maintaining therapy equipment, and collaborating with the physical therapist, rehabilitation director, residents, families, and interdisciplinary team. The assistant must follow applicable facility policies, professional standards, and Virginia physical therapy practice requirements while promoting safe, compassionate, high-quality care.

Requirements

Hold a valid, unrestricted license in the therapy discipline in the state.
Meet the educational requirements for the applicable licensure.
Have knowledge of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.

Responsibilities

Assist with physical therapy activities within the permitted scope of practice and under the direction of a licensed physical therapist.
Implement treatment plans established by the physical therapist in accordance with applicable professional guidelines, laws, regulations, and practice acts.
Record residents’ progress, document services in medical records, and request reexamination when needed.
Offer suggestions and feedback to the physical therapist, carry out agreed activities, and raise concerns constructively.
May perform physical examinations to obtain, update, and review therapy histories.
Coordinate and schedule resident therapy sessions with facility nursing staff as instructed.
Prepare required documentation for facility records, billing, and discharge planning as instructed.
Help residents perform planned therapeutic procedures, including providing exercise instructions, encouragement, and physical assistance.
Treat residents with musculoskeletal, neurological, balance, transfer, and gait-related needs after receiving a written physician order.
Use and be familiar with assistive and ambulatory devices such as canes and walkers.
Observe residents’ environments for barriers to therapy and recovery, recommend accommodations to the physical therapist, and implement recommendations.
Provide physical therapy techniques, including massage and stretching, as appropriate to the treatment plan.
Provide resident assessment information, including functional ability, range of motion, balance, walking, and therapy service details, as assigned.
Store, use, sanitize, disinfect, and clean physical therapy equipment safely and properly.
Participate in rehabilitative and interdisciplinary team meetings concerning therapy progress and discharge planning when designated.
Follow Virginia physical therapy practice guidelines, professional association standards, and applicable conduct requirements.
Maintain positive relationships with residents, employees, and family members through deliberate communication and interactions.
Participate in facility committees as necessary.
Deliver compassionate, quality care and maintain clean therapy and work areas while supporting resident functioning and satisfaction.
Communicate and collaborate with therapy staff and interdisciplinary team members to provide optimal resident care.
Promote teamwork, mutual respect, effective communication, positivity, and active problem-solving.
Make written and oral reports or recommendations to the physical therapist as needed.
Follow facility policies for health inspection, OSHA, and other regulatory readiness.
Stay informed about regulatory, scope-of-practice, business-practice, and other changes that may influence therapy outcomes.
Promote safe work practices, safety rules, and accident prevention to help prevent injury and illness.