PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT

Job Description

Job Description

Required Qualifications

The Physical Therapy Assistant must possess:

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

v  Meet educational requirements of his/her licensure requirements.

v  Valid driver’s license in the state of employment.

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

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Assists in the practice of physical therapy and activities requiring an understanding of physical therapy but not requiring professional or advanced training in the anatomical, biological, and physical sciences involved in the practice of physical therapy.

Practices only under the direction of a registered physical therapist (licensed).

Implements the physical therapy treatment plan as established by the physical therapist in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in accordance with guidelines issued by the governing body and its respective affiliate state chapter, current       state and federal laws and regulations; and respective practice act(s) in the state.

Records the resident's progress and can request a reexamination if/when needed.

Offers suggestions, provides feedback, carries-out agreed upon activities, and voices constructive concerns in a collaborative manner with the physical therapist.

May perform physical examination to obtain, update and study therapy histories to ensure that each resident is on the appropriate physical therapy track.

Documents physical therapy services by charting in the resident medical record.

Complies with facility policies and procedures for appropriately documenting for residents receiving physical therapy.

Schedules and coordinates with facility nursing staff therapy sessions for residents as instructed by the physical therapist or rehabilitation director.

Prepares required documentation according to facility policy for billing purposes, discharge planning, etc. and as instructed by the physical therapist or rehabilitation director.

Helps residents perform their planned therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises such as simply instructing and encouraging a resident through his/her exercises to physically helping him/her complete a difficult routine.

Treats residents who demonstrate disorders of musculoskeletal deficiencies, neurological conditions, balance disorders, and transfer/gait deficits, etc.  Treatment will only be conducted after a written order is received from the physician.

Is familiar with assistive devices that might be used during treatment and ambulatory assistive devices, like canes and walkers that some residents may require for walking.

Monitors the resident’s environment in order to identify any needs or barriers that might negatively impact the resident’s therapy and recovery.  Observes and makes recommendations for the necessary accommodations to the physical therapist and enacts those recommendations.

Treats residents with a variety of physical therapy techniques including but not limited to massaging sore muscles and pushing injured ones into deeper stretches.

Provides resident information needed for the resident assessment instrument according to facility policy such as but not limited to functional abilities, functional status, range of motion, balance during transitions and walking, physical therapy minutes and distinct calendar days, etc. during the defined observation period(s) as assigned by the physical therapist or rehabilitation director.

Ensures physical 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 or physical therapist.

Adheres to the state practice guidelines in his/her discipline as defined by the State of ______________ Physical Therapy Practice Act.  Maintains appropriate conduct and follows practice guidelines as defined by the professional association .                      

Knows how to access the physical 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.

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 requirements as defined by the physical therapy practice act in each state.

Delivers compassionate quality care and physical therapy services across the spectrum as evidenced by professional competence, general cleanliness of therapy gyms/offices and work areas, optimal resident functioning and resident satisfaction with physical therapy services provided.  

Knows physical therapy employees and employees of the interdisciplinary team in order to effectively communicate and provide optimal care for residents as well as any miscellaneous related needs.

Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, and effective communication.  Promotes positivity and active daily problem solving.  

Makes written and oral reports/recommendations to the physical therapist as needed concerning physical therapy.

Follows facility policy related to readiness for health inspection surveys, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) surveys, and any other regulatory entity or requirement.

Reads and stays informed regarding regulatory, scope of work requirements as defined by the physical therapy practice act, business practices and other changes influencing physical therapy outcomes.

Promotes safe work practices, safety rules, and accident prevention procedures to prevent resident/employee injury and illness.

Additional Tasks

v  Treats all residents with dignity and respect.  Promotes and protects all residents’ rights.

v  Establishes a culture of compliance by adhering to all facility policies and procedures.  Complies with standards of business conduct, and state/federal regulations and guidelines, and relevant practice act(s).

v  Follows appropriate safety and hygiene measures at all times to protect residents and themselves.

v  Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, including verbal, written, and electronic communications.

v  Reports noncompliance with policies, procedures, regulations, or breaches in confidentiality to appropriate personnel.  Reports any retaliation or discrimination to HR or compliance officer.

v  Reports any allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of property, exploitation, or mistreatment of residents to supervisor and/or administrator.  Protects residents from abuse, and cooperates with all investigations. 

v  Reports any occupational exposures to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and/or hazardous chemicals in accordance with facility policy. 

v  Participates in all life safety and emergency drills and trainings.  Fulfills responsibilities as assigned during implementation or activation of the facility’s emergency plan.

v  Reports work-related injuries and illnesses immediately to designated staff member.

v  Follows established infection control policies and procedures.

v  As a condition of employment, completes all assigned training and skills competency.

Personal Skills and Traits Desired/ Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

v  Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language.

v  Ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel and the general public.

v  Must have patience, tact, and willingness to deal with difficult residents, family and staff.

v  Must not pose a threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the workplace.

v  Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.

v  Meets general health requirements according to facility policy, including medical and physical exams and checking immunity status to various infectious diseases.

v  Ability to work beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary.

v  Ability to assist in evacuation of residents during emergency situations.

v  Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, perform overhead lifting and perform other common physical movements as needed for the position.

v  May be subject to falls, burns from equipment, and/or odors throughout the day; encounter reactions from dust, tobacco smoke, disinfectants, and other air contaminants.

v  Subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases and/or conditions which include AIDS, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, and Tuberculosis.

v  May be subject to hostile or emotional residents, family members, visitors or personnel.

v  Contributes to and exemplifies team work.

v  Makes independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.

v  Possesses leadership, supervisory skills and willingness to work harmoniously with and supervise other personnel.

v  Successfully follows oral and written instructions.

v  Successfully relays information concerning residents, employees or any given subject matter.

v  Willing to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

v  Willing to move intermittently throughout the workday.

v  Communicates with medical, nursing staff, and all departments.

v  Accepts call-backs during emergency conditions.

v  Works in office and throughout the facility.

v  Willing to work to task completion in spite of frequent interruptions.