PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT – PTA OVERVIEW:

The primary purpose of your job position is to assist in planning, organizing, developing, and directing Physical Therapy Services in accordance with current applicable federal, state, and local standards, guidelines and regulations, and as may be directed by the administrator, to assure that the highest degree of quality resident care can be maintained at all times.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

• Must have initiative to carry out assigned task with/without constant supervision.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language and use computer system for documentation.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age-related needs of the residents served. Must be a supportive team member, contribute to and be an example of team work and team concept.
• Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action.
• Must possess the ability to deal tactfully with personnel, residents, family members, visitors, government agencies/personnel, and the general public.
• Must possess the willingness to work harmoniously with other personnel.
• Must possess the ability to interpret the policies and procedures of physical therapy.
• Must maintain the care and use of supplies, equipment, etc., and maintain the appearance of therapy areas.
• Must have patience, tact, a cheerful disposition and enthusiasm as well as the willingness to handle difficult residents and staff. Must be willing to seek out new methods and principles and be willing to incorporate them into existing therapy services.
• Must be able to relate information concerning a resident’s condition.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in office, resident rooms, and therapy area(s).
• Moves intermittently during working hours.
• Is subject to frequent interruptions.
• Is involved with residents, family members, personnel, etc., under all conditions and circumstances. Communicates with the medical staff, nursing personnel, and other department directors.
• Works beyond normal working hours and on weekends and holidays when necessary, as well as in other positions as needed. Is subject to call back during emergency conditions (e.g., severe weather, evacuation, post-disaster, etc.).
• Is subject to exercising and massaging residents.
• Must be constantly alert for resident safety.
• Attends and participates in continuing educational programs.
• Is subject to lifting, carrying and supporting residents.
• Maintains a liaison with the residents, their families, other department, etc., to adequately plan for the resident’s physical therapy needs.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION CRITERIA:

• Assists in planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing our physical therapy services as well as its programs and activities as directed, within scope of practice.
• Assists in preparing resident for treatment by dress/position and administer physical therapy in accordance with established policies and procedures under the guidance of a licensed clinician.
• Participates in discharge planning, development and implementation of resident care plans, resident assessments, etc., as necessary.
• Maintains treatment records, resident files, and progress notes as required.
• Conducts therapy screens, at least quarterly, to determine need for services.
• Maintains treatment records, resident files, and progress notes as required. 
• Ensures business office receives charges for therapy services rendered to Residents. Charges are required to be entered daily, with documentation.
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary and appropriate, or as may be directed by the Administrator and/or Director of Rehab Services.
• Participates in work assignments and schedule hours, as requested by Director of Rehab Services.
• Agrees to not to disclose resident’s protected health information and promptly report suspected or known violations of such disclosure to the Administrator.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Must possess, as a minimum, a high school education or its equivalent to meet licensing board state requirements.
• None required. On-the-job training provided by a Physical Therapist.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS (WITH OR WITHOUT THE AID OF MECHANICAL DEVICES):

• Must be able to move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be able to speak and write the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to cope with the mental, emotional, and physical stress of the position.
• Must be able to see and hear or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately to assure that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, personnel, support agencies, and outside agencies.
• Must meet the general health requirements set forth by the policies of the facility, which include a medical and physical examination.
• Must be able to relate to and work with the ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and, at times, hostile people within the facility.
• Must be able to push, pull, move, and/or lift a minimum of 25 pounds to a minimum height of 5 feet and be able to push, pull, move, and/or carry such weight a minimum distance of 50 feet.
• May be necessary to assist in the evacuation of residents during emergency situations.
• Must be willing to perform tasks that may involve exposure to the resident’s blood/body fluids.