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Position Pupose:

Helps residents regain mobility &/or manage pain through the use of exercise, stretches, masssages, and other physical therapy techniques only under the direction of the physical therapist in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, standards, state physical therapy practice act and established facility policies and procedures to provide appropriate care and services to residents.

Required Qualifications:

The physical therapy assistant must possess:

+ A valid, unrestricted license in his/her therapy discippline in the state.

+ Meet educational requirements of his/her licensure.

+ Valid drivers license in the state of employment.

+ Knowledgable of skilled nursing home regulations, procedures, laws, regulations and guidlines pertaining to long-term care.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Practices only under the direction of a registered physical therapist (licensed).

Implements the physical therapy treatment plan as established by the physical therapist in accordance with the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in accordance with guidlines issued by the governing body and its perspective affilliate state chapter, current state and federal laws and regulations; and respective practice act(s) in the state.

Records the resident's progress and can request a reexamination if/when needed.

Documents physical therapy services by charting in the resident medical record.

Schedules and coordinates with facility nursing staff therapy sessions for residents as instructed by the physical therapist or rehabilitation director.

Monitors the resident's environment in order to identify any needs or barries that might negatively impact the resident's therapy and recovery. Observes and makes recommendations for the necessary accommodations to the physical therapistand enacts those recommendations.

Adheres to the state practice guidlines in his/her discipline as defined by the State of Physical Therapy Act. Maintains appropriate conduct and follows practice guidlines as defined by the professional association.

Developes and maintains positive relationships with residents, employees, and family members through scheduled, deliberate positive interactions using face to face, phone or other means of communication.

Delivers compassionate quality care and physical therapy services across the spectrum as evidence by professional competence, general cleanliness of therapy gyms/offices and work areas optimal resident functioning and resident satisfaction with physical therapy services provided.

Promotes teamwork, mutual respect, effective communication, promotes positivity and active daily problem solving.