Physical Therapist Assistant

Position Summary:

A Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) works under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to help

residents/patients with physical injuries or illnesses to regain range of movement and control their pain. PTAs

follow plans created by physical therapists that involve stretching, strength training, exercises, and physical

manipulation to help residents/patients recover.

Qualifications Education: 

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) program. 

Licenses/Certification: 

• Current state PTA licensure. 
• Valid CPR certification. 

Experience: 

• Six months experience in a long-term care environment preferred. 

Essential Functions:

• Helps residents with ambulation (walking, moving out of their wheelchairs, etc.). 
• Contributes to patients physical therapist's effectiveness by identifying patient care issues; providing information and commentary; recommending options and courses of action; implementing physical therapy directives. 
• Assesses patient health by interviewing patients; performing physical examinations; obtaining, updating, and studying therapy histories. 
• Assesses abnormal conditions by reviewing physical therapist's interpretations of patient evaluations and test results. 
• Documents patient care services by charting in patient and department records. 
• Performs therapeutic procedures by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting residents/patients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory functional activities, and daily-living activities; and in using supportive devices, such as crutches, canes, and prostheses.
• Instructs and counsels patients by describing therapeutic regimens; giving normal growth and development information; promoting wellness and health maintenance. 
• Provides continuity of care implementing patient management plan. 
• Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; adhering to infection-control policies and protocols. 
• Maintains production objectives by noting current treatment trends; monitoring actual physical therapy services rendered to production objectives 
• Ensures punctuality and regular attendance for assigned shifts. 

Other Functions:

• Maintains legal and accreditation compliance by adhering to policy positions concerning federal, state, and local regulations; anticipating emerging issues. 
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology. 
• Ability to motivate individuals in a positive manner. 
• Strong communication and documentation skills. 
• Ability to maintain resident/patient confidentiality. 

Core Values & Behaviors that Improve Lives:

• Demonstrates a culture of service and a commitment to doing “good” by improving lives. 
• Regularly exhibits behaviors that support the values of the company – Family, Ownership, Responsibility, Celebration, and Experience. 
• Work ethic reflects a passion for exceeding patient/resident expectations. 
• Solicits patient/resident feedback to understand their needs and the needs of the community. Advocates for raising the bar of patient/resident care within the facility and influences others to take actions that increase the quality of person-centered care. ?
• Displays responsibility by taking ownership of quality care. Shows dedication to enriching the lives of our patients/residents through empathy and compassion. 
• Exhibits a commitment to results by looking for and recommending/implementing process for performance improvements.
• Demonstrates commitment to interpersonal excellence through professional greetings, proper telephone and email/social media etiquette, common courtesy, a professional attitude and appearance.
• Enriches the facility culture by participating in company hosted and endorsed celebrations and events.
• Recognizes the benefits of team collaboration. Shows respect for fellow employees by working together to get the job done.
• Effectively addresses patient/resident and family member concerns and resolves conflict in a manner that is consistent with our culture.
• Complies with company policies, as well as governing state and federal laws and regulations. Seeks clarification of leaders when there are questions of policy or governing law.
• Protects patient/resident privacy and dignity.
• Maintains positivity while interacting with co-workers, patients/residents and guests at the facility.