Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

PACS•Forest Acres, SC

13d•$25 - $35•Onsite

About The Position

Forest Acres Post Acute is a 132-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. The Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care. The role supports residents in improving mobility, strength, balance, confidence, and independence as part of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team. The assistant treats residents as directed by the Physical Therapist, documents care accurately and on time, and communicates routinely with the supervising therapist about resident progress, goals, and discharge planning. The role also includes educating residents, families, and caregivers; supporting restorative-care training; maintaining a safe treatment environment and equipment; and contributing to facility quality-improvement and rehabilitation-program activities. The work environment is typically low to moderate in noise level. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable law.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Active, unencumbered Physical Therapist Assistant license in South Carolina; maintain the license in good standing and meet continuing-education requirements applicable to state practice.
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 mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule-based instructions.
Ability to stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally; 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 by talking and hearing and to perceive and respond to tactile, auditory, and visual environmental cues.
Ability to assist, support, and transport residents using safe resident-handling practices.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a fast-paced healthcare setting is preferred.
CPR certification, if required by licensure.
Additional certification as appropriate for the 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 rehabilitation meetings as needed.
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 and training programs for other facility staff as needed.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise and maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall-prevention strategies.
Recommend and facilitate ordering 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.
Assist residents with mobility, strength, balance, and independence, and encourage them during rehabilitation.