Physical therapist assistant

SUMMARY OF POSITION: To provide physical therapy services as assigned under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist in accordance with EHSI/PSRS policies and procedures and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
 
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: The responsibilities of this position involve significant physical activities including standing, lifting (up to 60 pounds unassisted), bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and twisting.  The tasks on this position description marked with an asterisk (*) are those that regularly require these physical activities.  All employees of nursing homes may be required to provide lifting and transfer assistance to residents.  Lifting and/or transferring some residents will require use of a lifting device and /or assistance of other staff.
 

Essential Functions

1. Provide physical therapy services as assigned under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist.

2. Compliance with federal and state regulations, professional guidelines and code of ethics for the profession of physical therapy and provision of physical therapy services.

3. Compliance with EHSI and PSRS policies and procedures.

4. Attend meeting and inservices as needed as directed by FRC.

5. Complies with laws and regulations applicable to position and act in accordance with Extendicare Health Services, Inc.’s Corporate Compliance Program. 

6. Attends and participates in inservice training, performance improvement (“PI”) committees  and other meetings as scheduled and directed.

7. Treats all residents, visitors, and staff with courtesy.

8. Works overtime, holiday and weekend hours as scheduled.

9. Assists in orientation and training of employees as assigned.

10. Performs physical activities including standing, lifting (up to 60 pounds unassisted), bending, stooping, pushing, pulling and twisting.

11. Follows facility dress and hygiene policies.
 

12. Safety

      -Knows and follows facility rules. 
      -Demonstrates proper use of equipment.  Reports equipment needs or repairs. 
      -Follows facility smoking policies. 
      -Reports and documents any incidents or accidents of residents, staff or visitors to the appropriate facility personnel. 
      -Performs duties, which may include transportation of residents, as assigned in Facility Disaster Plan. 
      -Uses required protective equipment. 
      -Follows infection control standards, policies and procedures. 
      -Reports all hazardous conditions/equipment to Supervisor.
 
13. Resident Rights 
       -Knows Resident Rights.  Helps the residents exercise and/or protect their rights. 
       -Reports resident complaints to management. 
       -Maintains confidentiality of resident information.
 
14. HIPAA 
       -Follows and adheres to Extendicare’s policies and procedures implementing HIPAA requirements for the privacy and security of protected health information. 
       -Uses and/or discloses only minimum amount of Protected Health Information necessary to complete assigned tasks. (Applies only if position requires access to PHI under Role Based Access Grid.) 
      -Reports all suspected violation of company’s HIPAA policies or procedures to Facility Privacy Designee.

 

Other Duties
 
   ·Performs other duties as assigned and consistent with the level of preparation and experience.
 
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
 
1.      Graduate of an approved Physical Therapy Assistant program.
2.      State credentialing/licensure as required.
3.      Experience in long term care and membership in professional organization is preferred.
4.      Synthesis of knowledge related to anatomy, physiology, and pathology for effective treatment of movement disorders as assigned by the Physical Therapist.
5.      Sound clinical problem solving relating to the provision of physical therapy services.
6.      Collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team in delivery of patient care to maximize functional outcomes.
7.      Knowledge of federal and state regulations and professional guidelines as relates to delivery or physical therapy services.
8.      Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
9.      Ability to relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, community members, volunteers and other facility staff.  Possess special interest in, and a positive attitude about, working with long-term care residents and the elderly.
10. Meets all health requirements, as required by law.
 
 
The designation of “essential functions” and “other duties” is for purposes of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  Employees holding this position will be required to perform all job duties, consistent with law.
 
This description has been prepared to assist in evaluating various classes of responsibilities, skills, and working conditions.  It indicates the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this classification.  It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.  Nor is it intended to limit or modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under supervision.  Nothing contained herein is intended or shall be construed to create or constitute a contract of employment between any employee or group of employees and the Employer.  The Employer retains and reserves any and all rights to change, modify, amend, add to or delete from any section of this document as it deems, in its judgment, to be proper.
  
 
I have read the above job description and fully understand the requirements set forth herein.  I hereby accept the position of Physical Therapist Assistant and agree to abide by the requirement set forth and will perform all duties and responsibilities to the best of my ability.  I understand that as a result of my employment I may be exposed to the AIDS and Hepatitis viruses.