What are the responsibilities and job description for the Physical Therapist Assistant position at FALL RIVER HEALTH SERVICES?
Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)
Fall River Health Services is seeking a compassionate and motivated Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) to join our team. Under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the PTA provides therapeutic interventions that help patients improve mobility, regain independence, and achieve their individual rehabilitation goals.
This position provides an opportunity to work with patients across a variety of ages and conditions, including developmental deficits, physical injuries, and illness. The ideal candidate is a team player who is organized, compassionate, dependable, and committed to providing high-quality patient care.
Job Summary
The Physical Therapy Assistant carries out therapeutic treatments and interventions established by the Physical Therapist to assist in the rehabilitation and restoration of physical function. The PTA provides individualized care based on patient needs, promotes safety and independence, and works collaboratively with patients, families, caregivers, providers, and other members of the healthcare team.
Reports To: Licensed Physical Therapist
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Travel: As needed based on business needs
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct therapeutic care to patients and teach rehabilitation techniques to patients and caregivers to promote independence, safety, and optimal functional outcomes.
- Provide preventive and rehabilitative physical therapy interventions based on individual patient needs and age-specific considerations.
- Perform treatments within the scope of PTA practice, applicable state and federal regulations, professional standards, and organizational policies.
- Assist with implementing and revising patient plans of care based on assessments, ongoing reassessment, medical history, diagnosis, physician orders, expected outcomes, and patient goals.
- Perform or monitor treatments involving physical agents and therapeutic equipment, such as heat, water, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and whirlpool therapy, as appropriate and within established guidelines.
- Monitor patient progress and communicate significant clinical findings, changes in condition, and other concerns to the Physical Therapist, physician, patient, family, and other members of the healthcare team as appropriate.
- Develop and provide appropriate patient and caregiver education to support continued progress and safe participation in rehabilitation programs.
- Complete thorough, timely, accurate, and compliant documentation of all skilled and medically necessary services.
- Ensure documentation and care provided meet applicable Medicare, Medicaid, state, federal, accreditation, insurance, payer, and organizational requirements.
- Maintain strict confidentiality of patient and organizational information.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives, staff meetings, case conferences, and required training and in-service programs.
- Conduct PTA and Home Health Aide supervisory visits, when applicable, and maintain written instructions in accordance with organizational policy and applicable regulations.
- Participate in business development and customer service initiatives that support the organization's goals and commitment to the community.
- Demonstrate leadership through effective communication, relationship building, teamwork, and continued professional development.
- Provide courteous, compassionate, and respectful service to patients, families, coworkers, providers, and other internal and external customers.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Technical Skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong patient education and teaching abilities.
- Ability to adapt to changing patient and workplace needs.
- Ability to access, interpret, and use information effectively.
- Ability to prioritize tasks while maintaining quality patient care.
- Knowledge of physical therapy procedures, modalities, and safety practices.
Behavioral Competencies
- Supports the vision and mission of Fall River Health Services.
- Demonstrates compassion, professionalism, and respect in all interactions.
- Works effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
- Maintains a positive attitude and demonstrates flexibility in changing situations.
- Uses sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Takes initiative and identifies opportunities to improve patient care and department operations.
- Demonstrates accountability, dependability, and commitment to quality.
- Builds positive relationships with patients, families, coworkers, and community partners.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate is a compassionate, dependable, and patient-focused Physical Therapy Assistant who enjoys helping others reach their goals and values teamwork. Strong communication skills, adaptability, and a commitment to providing exceptional patient care are essential.
Join the team at Fall River Health Services and make a meaningful difference in the lives of the patients and families we serve.