Physical Therapy Assistant/Occupational Therapy Assistant

Required Qualifications The PTA COTA :

A valid, unrestricted license in his / her therapy discipline in the state.

Meet educational requirements of his / her licensure requirements.

Valid driver’s license in the state of employment.

Knowledgeable of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, regulations and guidelines pertaining to long-term care.

Major Duties and Responsibilities Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates and directs the delivery of physical therapy services as well as its programs and activities, in accordance with current state and federal laws and regulations; and respective practice act(s) in the state. Plans, develops, organizes, implements, evaluates, and directs the execution of therapy services in accordance with physician’s orders and American Physical and Occupational Therapy Association in accordance with guidelines issued by the governing body and its respective affiliate state chapter. Coordinates the achievement and reporting of the facility’s key performance physical therapy indicators. Establishes an ongoing system to monitor these key indicators. Evaluates and reports key performance indicator outcomes of the physical therapy department to the rehabilitation director to determine the need for action such as re-education or revisions related to the facility’s outcomes, regulatory compliance, practice act(s) and / or customer satisfaction Develops and implements processes and systems to effectively lead, guide and direct the delivery of physical and occupational therapy services including but not limited to processes for the timely screening, evaluation, treatment, discharge and all associated documentation requirements for residents in the facility. Complies with facility policies and procedures for appropriately documenting, billing and coding for residents receiving physical and occupational therapy. Provides resident information needed for the resident assessment instrument according to facility policy such as functional abilities and goals, functional status, range of motion, balance during transitions and walking, therapy minutes and distinct calendar days, etc. during the defined observation period(s). Participates as a qualified clinician for the interdisciplinary determination of the resident’s usual performance in a functional assessment as required by facility policy (RAI User’s Manual) for Medicare Part A, Medicare Advantage residents upon admission, interim and at time of discharge. Ensures therapy equipment is stored, used and sanitized, disinfected and / or cleaned properly and safely in the facility. Participates in daily, weekly, and / or monthly rehabilitative and interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss residents’ therapy progression in relation to discharge planning for residents receiving physical therapy services as designated by the Rehabilitation Director. Adheres to the state practice guidelines in his / her discipline as defined by the State of Physical and Occupational Therapy Practice Act. Maintains appropriate conduct and follows practice guidelines as defined by the professional association. Knows how to access the physical and occupational therapy state practice act and the professional association standards. Develops and maintains positive relationships with residents, employees, and family members through scheduled, deliberate positive interactions using face to face, phone, or other means of communication. Evaluates work performance of physical therapy assistants in the department and maintains accountability in concert with applicable standards of practice, by-laws, and code of conduct for his / her therapy discipline. Facilitates, serves, attends or participates in various committees of the facility as necessary. Knows and understands the purpose and requirements for scope of work and supervision requirements as defined by the physical and occupational therapy practice act in each state. Ensures delivery of compassionate quality care and services across the physical therapy spectrum as evidenced by adequate, and competent therapy staff, general cleanliness of therapy gyms / offices, optimal resident functioning and satisfaction with therapy services provided. Identifies and collaborates with members of the interdisciplinary team, physicians, consultants, and community agencies to identify opportunities for enhanced services to the residents and / or resolve issues. Knows therapy employees and employees across all departments by name in order to effectively communicate and meet resident needs as well as any miscellaneous related needs. Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication. Promotes positivity and active daily problem solving.