SNF - Physical Therapist Assistant

Orlandoseniorhealth; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Florida is seeking a Physical Therapist Assistant to perform physical therapy procedures delegated by licensed therapists. Responsibilities include administering therapy modalities, assisting with evaluations, and documenting patient progress. Candidates must have an active Florida PTA license and an Associate Degree in a relevant field. This role requires effective communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced healthcare environment.

Qualifications

• Active and cleared license as a physical therapist assistant in Florida.
• Experience in long-term care preferred.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Administer all physical therapy modalities under direction of a physical therapist.
• Document and report patient responses to treatment.
• Provide education and instruction to patients and families.

Skills

Physical therapy modalities

Basic wound care

Patient communication

Equipment operation

Education

Associate Degree from accredited physical therapist assistant school

Tools

Continuous passive motion devices

Traction equipment

Whirlpools

Exercise equipment

Job description

Overview

Description

JOB SUMMARY: Performs physical therapy procedures as delegated by the supervising licensed physical therapists and ordered by a physician. Assists the physical therapists in performing evaluations and complex treatment procedures. Provides services related to the operation of the department and the facility.

Responsibilities

• Administers all physical therapy modalities and whirlpools following established procedures and precautions under the direction of a physical therapist.
• Performs basic wound care and dressings.
• Performs and assists in various exercise programs, balance and coordination activities and gait training as delegated by the physical therapist.
• Observes, documents, and reports to the physical therapist patient response to treatment.
• Transports patients to and from Physical Therapy as needed.
• Assists the physical therapists in coordinating aide work duties and treatments.
• Assists in general department and equipment maintenance and stocking of supplies.
• Contributes to quality improvement on a facility, department, and individual level.
• Participates in clerical and reception activities as required.
• Provide education and instruction patients, their families, facility staff, and to the community as required, to promote rehabilitation, injury prevention, wellness, and fitness.
• Communicate with physicians, family / caregiver, facility staff regarding progress or status changes.
• Uses appropriate developmental register in verbal and written evaluation, treatment, and education.
• Maintains current clinical knowledge related to age groups and diagnoses treated.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• This position requires a screening through The Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse

Requirements / Qualifications

• Have an active and cleared licensed as a physical therapist assistant in the State of Florida.
• Have an Associate Degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant school.
• Must have affiliation experience in degree program. Previous experience in long-term care preferred.
• Able to follow physical therapist set treatment program, monitor patient’s progress and reaction to treatment, and report results accurately.
• Able to lift, push, pull, and stabilize patients during exercise sessions.
• Must have ability to problem-solve with patients, family members, and other members of the health care team.
• Must be able to operate all physical therapy modality equipment, whirlpools, continuous passive motion devices, traction equipment, and exercise equipment in the area of job assignment.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend, lift and move intermittently throughout the workday.
• Must be in good general health and demonstrate emotional stability.
• Must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position.
• Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, and emotionally upset people.
• Assume the responsibility for maintaining professional competence through participation in programs/seminars/training.
• Willing to work beyond the normal working hours, on weekends, and in other positions temporarily, when necessary.
• Ability to handle department equipment according to standard procedures.
• Must possess sight and hearing senses, or use prosthetics that will enable these senses to function adequately so that the requirements of this position can be fully met.
• Must function independently, have flexibility, personal integrity, tact, and the ability to work effectively with residents, staff, and visitors.
• Report all accidents and incidents to supervisor no matter how minor they may be.
• Attends and participates in in-service classes, on-the-job programs, etc. as scheduled and directed.
• Honor the Residents’ Rights polices at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality of all resident information.
• Be expected (and required) to perform any task in a safe, sanitary and efficient manner in accordance with established procedures.
• Follow facility safety program.
• Assume accountability for data contained in the employees’ handbook.
• Any exposure to blood or body fluids that contain visible blood must be reported to supervisor on the shift in which the incident occurs.
• Be familiar with universal precautions (i.e. frequent hand washing, using gloves, etc.).
• Understand that this position contains Category II tasks that do not involve contact with blood/body fluids but could result in performing a Category I task.
• Ability to understand and use universal precautions and appropriate protective measures, which are readily available to every employee, engaged in Category I tasks.
• Ability to perform all functions of the job classification without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
• This list of functions, duties, responsibilities, and skills is not intended to be all-inclusive and the employer reserves the right to assign additional duties and responsibilities as necessary.