Physical Therapy Assistant

To assist in providing appropriate aspects of quality patient care under the supervision of licensed therapists.

RESPONSIBLE TO:

This position is responsible to Physical Therapists and the Facility Rehab Director.

FLSA STATUS:

Non-Exempt

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Implements and executes on established patient treatment plan under the supervision of a therapist.
• Communicates with patients, families, referring physicians and other members of the team.
• Provides timely written documentation per facility and department requirements.
• Develops and enhances clinical and professional skills through knowledge and professional associations.
• Communicates with patients, families and other clinical staff of treatment variations.
• Provides timely written documentation as required by insurance provider to meet licensing, certification, regulatory, reimbursement requirements and physician treatment plan.
• Supports and participates in department operations and development.
• Reports any changes in patient status or needs to supervising therapist on a timely basis.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Prepares and submits patient charges accurately to provide appropriate billing information.
• Provides patient screens upon admission by identifying appropriate interventions for treatment.
• Uses professional judgment to ensure safety of self, patients and others at all times.
• Achieves quality patient care through interdisciplinary co-op, teamwork and effective communication.
• Attends required meetings as designated by the Director of Rehab and/or Regional Manager.
• Effectively communicates with Therapists concerning patients response to treatment plan. Provides constructive feedback to rehab techs/aides.
• Attends in-services, training sessions or other educational presentations.
• Coordinates treatment goals with other team members.
• Maintains valid licensure, certification or equivalent as requested by appropriate state agency.
• Maintains awareness of patient and community needs, conditions, and programs.

PHYSICAL CAPACITIES: (With or Without the Aid of Mechanical Devices)

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to ensure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of this facility which includes an annual TB screening and physical examination.
• Must be able to lift up and over 100 pounds with assistance according to resident’s abilities.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and walk for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to travel to reach assigned destination in a reasonable time frame.
• Must be able to bend, squat, push, stoop and pull as needed especially in fulfilling resident care activities.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Inside work, normal temperatures, some noise, occasional fumes/odors, chemical exposure and potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

This job cannot be performed without exposure to the stresses associated with an intimate, 24 hour skilled care environment that delivers care and services primarily to disabled and cognitively impaired residents in an aging population. Examples of these stresses include, but are not limited to: emergency health or safety response, weekend and holiday duty, unusual or impaired behavior by residents, family reactions to having a loved one in a nursing home, death and dying, oversight of state surveyors, ombudsmen and federal officials, presence of consultants and attorneys, and variable involvement of medical staff.