Physical Therapy Employment

To provide physical therapies and education.  The Physical Therapy Assistant assists the Physical Therapist with resident/patient related activities and direct resident/patient care.  The Assistant keeps department records as per facility policy.

1.         Perform physical therapy treatments and related duties as may be delegated by the physical therapist.

a.         Respond promptly to acute changes in the patient’s physiological state and to report and record pertinent changes.

b.         Modify treatment techniques in conference with the registered physical therapist.

c.         Teach patient’s, resident’s families and other health care providers to perform selected treatment procedures and functional activities.

d.         Directly assist the physical therapist in performing complex evaluations and/or treatment procedures.

2.         Maintain proper documentation according to state, federal and third party payor regulations.

3.         Maintain proper records according to facility policy and procedures.

4.         Perform and record, as specified by the planned treatment program, non-evaluative on going data.

a.         Measurements of vital signs, range of motion, strength and linear increments.

b.         Types of assistive mobility devices used and the distances covered.

c.         Results of tests and evaluations performed by the registered physical therapist.

5.         Respond to psych-social support needs of the patient and/or the residents’ family.

6.         Communicate appropriately and effectively with all personnel and to document according to professional standards.

7.         Keep timely records, meet regularly with the Registered Physical Therapist and attend care conferences as requested.

8.         Participate in patient care conferences and other rehabilitation related meetings as appropriate.

9.         Communicate with supervisor and other health care team members regarding patient progress, problems and plans.

10.     Participate in the MDS process as a member of the interdisciplinary team.

11.     Participate in the PPS team process monitoring minutes of therapy and understanding the PPS systems.

12.     Participate in in-service training programs for all staff in the facility.

13.     Instruct resident/patient and family members and nursing staff in restorative and maintenance programs.

14.     Abides by regulations pertaining to the facility as established by Federal and State Agencies and the Volunteers of America Health Facilities policies.

15.     Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1.         A graduate from a physical therapist assistant curriculum approved by the American Physical Therapy Association and is currently licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state (if license is available).

2.         Minimum of one year experience as a physical therapist assistant in a skilled nursing facility is preferred.

3.         Able to understand medical terminology and how it applies to physical therapy, to communicate with residents, staff and physicians, and how to prepare meaningful reports.

4.         Spatial and form perception are necessary to visualize anatomical structure of the disabled part of the body and the relation of the therapeutic devices in remedial actions.

5.         Coordination and dexterity are necessary when treating residents and handling therapeutic equipment.

6.         Ability to communicate with the residents to establish favorable attitude to motivate the resident to desired cooperation and effort in his/her rehabilitation development

7.         Possesses adequate strength and endurance to meet the physical demands involved in moving residents and equipment into position for treatment and in manipulating equipment and residents.

8.         Be willing to work Saturdays, to travel to other Volunteers of America Care Centers, and to work flexible hours.

9.         Able to meet the requirements identified in the Essential Functions.