Physical Therapy Assistant

Job Title: Physical Therapist Assistant

Department: Rehabilitation

Reports To: Physical Therapist

Job Summary: The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) will treat patients as directed by the Physical Therapist, record daily treatment notes and weekly progress notes, assist in maintaining the department, and participate in patient care and rehabilitation conferences as needed. The PTA will also assist with cleaning and maintenance of the treatment area, treat patients per the physician treatment plan, and assist the nursing department with training of Restorative Aides. Effective communication with supervisors and other health team members regarding patient progress, problems, and plans is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Treat patients as directed by the Physical Therapist.
• Record daily treatment notes and weekly progress notes per PT Board.
• Assist in maintaining the department.
• Participate in Patient Care and Rehabilitation Conferences as needed.
• Assist with cleaning and maintenance of the treatment area.
• Treat patients per the physician treatment plan.
• Assist the nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
• Communicate with supervisors and other health team members regarding patient progress, problems, and plans.
• Participate in in-service training programs for other staff in the facility.
• Record treatment changes per policy and procedures.
• Instruct patients' families or nursing staff in maintenance programs and caregiver training in preparation for discharge from therapy services.
• Report any problems with department equipment to ensure it is maintained in good working order.
• Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with patients/residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.

Supervisory Requirements:

• This position is not a supervisory position.

Qualifications:

Education and/or Experience:

• Licensed as a Staff Physical Therapy Assistant by the State Board.
• Proficient in computer skills such as inputting data into programs like Casamba and Point Click Care.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read technical procedures.
• Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers, and families.

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability:

• Ability to solve practical problems.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state.
• Employee must meet continuing education requirements per state practices.
• Must maintain a license in good standing at all times with the state board.

Physical Demands:

• Standing and/or walking very frequently.
• Sitting occasionally.
• Reaching with hands and arms frequently, pushing/pulling very frequently.
• Talking and/or hearing very frequently.
• Tasting and/or smelling very frequently.
• Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling occasionally.
• Close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception in vision; ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

• The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Additional Information:

• Note: Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.