Physical Therapy Assistant
About The Position
The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role includes treating residents as directed by the Physical Therapist, documenting care in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements, and maintaining a safe treatment environment. The assistant communicates with the supervising Physical Therapist and other care-team members about resident progress, goals, and discharge planning, and educates residents, families, and caregivers on treatment and safety strategies. The position also supports staff training, equipment needs, quality assurance, and rehabilitation program development as assigned.
Requirements
- Associate degree from an accredited PTA program.
- Proficient in 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 instructions provided in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
- Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state.
- Meet continuing education requirements applicable to state practices and maintain a license in good standing with the state board.
- CPR certification if required by licensure.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting and varied movements; and lifting, moving, or manipulating residents, objects, and equipment.
- Ability to communicate by talking and hearing, perceive tactile, auditory, and visual information, and assist, support, and transport residents using safe resident-handling practices.
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 Physical Rehabilitation Manual Article 4 § 1398.44.
- Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Aides.
- Communicate 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.
- Provide in-services on 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 residents’ mobility and independence.
- 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
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
Associate degree
