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.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Other duties may be assigned.)

§ 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

https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

REQUIREMENTS, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER ATTRIBUTES:

§ 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.