Summary

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Physical Therapist in the delivery of goal-directed activities for the improvement of function.  The Physical Therapist Assistant participates in coordinating programs designed for restore patient to maximum level of functioning.  The Physical Therapist Assistant carries out treatment programs to achieve optional patient outcomes.  Obtains relevant information from initial evaluation and is able to formulate priorities for patient treatment. Assesses the effectiveness of treatment strategies and modifies interventions as needed to achieve the desired outcome.  Consults with PT for exchange of information, ideas and collaboration to achieve optimal patient outcomes.  Provides caretaker training which addresses relevant patient needs for discharge.  Provides this education in a manner that allows the caretaker to effectively learn skills needed to care for the patient after discharge.  Anticipates patient’s equipment and education needs for discharge in a timely manner.  Communicates discharge needs to other team members as needed to ensure a smooth transition from skilled services to home/nursing home.  Assistant will carry out administrative duties.  Department/patient documentation completed within designated timeframe.  Delegates to/supervises aides appropriately where applicable. Progresses students toward achievement of facility and curriculum objectives.  Assist with orientation of new department staff, students or nursing home employees requiring mobility training.  Possesses skills for communicating effectively with staff, patients and families.  Communicates relevant patient information to other members of health care team to promote interdisciplinary team goals.  Demonstrates as awareness of patient issues that indicate the need for further medical attention and communicates with nurses and physician.  Seeks supervision as needed.  May be assigned other duties as appropriate.

Job Qualifications

• An associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant curriculum
• Current State License
• CPR certified or willing to obtain within six months of employment
• One to two years of experience with geriatrics preferred
• Qualified new graduates will be considered
• Must have ability to communicate well personally and professionally and possess responsibility, initiative and honesty
• Demonstrates strong desire to work with the elderly and rehabilitation populations
• Requires extensive mobility, transferring patients, moving equipment, lifting, reaching and moving around obstacles
• Fine motor coordination and visual/perceptual skills needed for selecting and implementing treatment tasks