Physical Therapist Assistant

• 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.

Requirements

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.