Physical Therapy Assistant

Department: Clinical Operations

Supervisor: Licensed and/or Director of Rehabilitation

Job Description

The Physical Therapy Assistant assists the Licensed Therapist with patient-related activities and direct patient care. Duties and responsibilities of the employee are governed by licensure regulations and practice acts of the state in which they are employed.

Essential Functions

1. Follow SKILLED THERAPIES policies, procedures, rules and applicable laws and standards.
2. Treat patients as directed by the Licensed Therapist or Director of Rehabilitation; record treatments given and progress notes in medical record; communicate daily to the Director of Rehabilitation patient or scheduling changes that would inhibit the delivery of treatment; follow SKILLED THERAPIES policies and procedures for the delivery of patient services and recording of treatment charges; maintain timely and accurate records according to policies, procedures and regulations which include evaluations, screenings, progress notes, labor and service logs.
3. Maintain active and supportive communication with the patient, significant others, physicians and other team members concerning progress, problems, home programs, follow-up and other issues related to the therapeutic process; communicate pertinent information on a timely basis to supervisor and seek guidance necessary for performance of duties; respond appropriately to clinical supervision as indicated by improving skills; participate in Patient Care and Rehabilitation Team Conferences as requested by the Director of Rehabilitation.
4. Demonstrate responsibility through reporting to work on time at the 95% level; maintain a positive rapport with staff at all times through professional appearance and actions; provide proper notification for absence or tardiness per policy; assist in maintaining department cleanliness, maintenance, organization and supplies.
5. Perform other related duties as necessary or as requested. Work overtime as required.

Measurement of Success

• Treatment records and progress notes are accurate and up to date.
• 100% patient satisfaction both in treatment provided and follow up communication.
• Patient schedule is well coordinated and all communications are responded to in a timely manner.
• Arrives at the job every day on time and ready to work.

Qualifications

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.

Education/License

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Graduate of approved Physical Therapy Assistant Program.
• One (1) year of experience in a skilled nursing facility preferred.
• Demonstrate competency in communications with residents, clients, superiors and peers.
• Experience and proficiency in computer related applications such as e-mail, MS Word, Excel and web browsers.

Special Requirements

• Maintain current state licensure at all times.
• Maintain current TB test at all times.
• CPR Certification

Language Skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills necessary to handle sensitive, confidential situations and interact professionally and courteously with physicians, patients, patients’ families and other personnel.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English via telephone, in writing, via email and in person with customers, co-workers and supervisors.

Reasoning Ability

• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to:

• Regularly walk, and stand for long periods of time over an 8 hour shift
• Regularly talk or hear up to 8 hours a day
• Regularly sit, type, and use a mouse up to 3 hours a day
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Regularly use hands to finger, handle or feel, and reach with hands and arms
• Regularly lift 40-75 pounds and support patients
• Regularly required to use and/or push wheelchairs according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Start and end times of workdays will vary according to patient scheduling needs.
• Dress code may be required in work area.
• The noise level in the work environment is minimal.
• Minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.
• Minimal exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Minimal exposure to electrical and radiation exposure.
• This is a Category II job classification per OSHA standards. Minimal exposure to blood borne pathogens.
• Chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, or birth defects or other reproductive harm may be present in the work environment.