Physical Therapy Assistant

Essential Duties

• 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 41398.44.
• Aid the nursing department with training of 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 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate Degree from an accredited PTA program.
• Computer Skills: Proficient in computer skills such as inputting data into programs like Net Health and Point Click Care.
• Languages: Ability to read technical procedures and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
• Mathematics: Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning: Ability to solve practical problems and interpret written instructions.
• Certifications/Licenses: Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state and meet continuing education requirements per state practices. Must maintain a license in good standing at all times with the state board. Determine additional certifications as appropriate per facility.
• CPR Certification: Required by licensure.

Physical Demands

• Stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally.
• Occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• 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 to safely move residents or equipment.
• Effective communication, including talking and hearing, is required to interact with residents, families, and the healthcare team.
• The ability to perceive and respond to environmental cues, including tactile, auditory, and visual information, is essential for safe and effective resident care.
• Assist, support, and transport residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.

Work Environment

• Noise Level: Usually low to moderate.