Description

 Episcopal SeniorLife Communities Mission: We provide high quality services from skilled nursing and restorative care to housing, assisted living and community-based wellness programs. We are committed to meeting each individual’s needs, in a culturally competent manner, supporting family and loved ones through transitions, and fulfilling our pledge…

Life. Inspired Every Day.

Pay Rate: $28.00/hourly

Under the direction of the Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) works to assist in the overall assessment and treatment of residents and carries out the treatment plan as set forth by the physical therapist and approved by the physician.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists supervising physical therapist in overall assessment of residents.
• Carries out physical therapy care programs as planned and directed by physical therapist.
• Recommends changes to policies and procedures for the department.
• Assists in communicating policies and procedures for the department to other staff.
• Carries out exercise program and trains resident in exercise, ambulation and activities of daily living.
• Observes, reports and charts resident responses to the physical therapist.
• Follows established procedures and observes safety precautions in the use of heat, cold, light, water, sound and massage.
• In the absence of the physical therapist, performs maintenance physical therapy only.
• Carries out responsibilities appropriate to the physical therapy services i.e. clerical, maintenance of supplies and equipment and maintenance of a safe, orderly environment.
• Reports any problems with resident treatments or equipment to the physical therapist.
• Participates in orienting, teaching and guiding the rehabilitation assistant.
• Participates in monitoring and evaluating the performance of the rehabilitation assistant.
• Instructs residents, families and nursing staff regarding resident participation in the physical therapy program.
• Involves the resident and family in treatment and discharge planning.
• Participates in staff education programs and provides training as requested by nursing administration.
• Maintains minimum daily productivity of 80% patient treatment, of available time in facility.
• Updates skills and knowledge of physical therapy assistant issues/techniques related to geriatric population.
• Complies with all required facility in-services.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Graduation from an accredited program of PTA education with a passing grade on the written exam and unexpired/unencumbered New York State Physical Therapy Assistant licensure required. 
• Minimum of 1 year clinical licensed PTA level experience required; gerontology experience preferred.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with all disciplines and consultants. 
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and practices. 
• Good supervisory skills. 
• Must demonstrate ability to interact courteously and tactfully with staff, residents, family members, visitors, vendors and the general public. This position may/will be required to provide direct care or have access to resident property or belongings. 
• Basic computer skills are required including but not limited to the ability to create, open, edit, print and save electronic 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Performing duties of this job requires occasional sitting, walking and standing. Must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds without assistance and the ability to sit, talk, and hear is required. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus.