Physical Therapy Assistant

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) reports to the Physical Therapist (PT) and serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team and the Rehab Team.  The PTA assists the PT with the implementation and evaluation of care plans that meet the objectives, standards and policies of the PACE model of care.   The PTA consults with the PT and the Occupational Therapist (OTR) and other members of the Rehab and Clinical Teams at the site to provide the best plan of coordinated rehab services for the participants.  The Physical Therapist Assistant works in concert with all of the members of the IDT to accomplish the Program’s Mission of assisting frail elders to remain living in the community for as long as they may do so safely.  

Essential Functions:

1. Assists the PT in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
2. Provides strong leadership for subordinates and works with the PT in resolving staff issue and concerns in a timely manner.
3. Assists the PT in coordinating all Rehab services as they relate to direct patient care.
4. Provides direct supervision to Rehab Aides and delegates responsibilities as appropriate.
5. Participates in the process of customer service from the Rehab perspective.
6. The Physical therapist assistant records required documentation, including daily statistical data, per PACE protocol.
7. Prepares for and participates in pre-enrollment care planning, debriefing, staff meetings, and discharge planning.  Attends family meetings as necessary.
8. The Physical therapy assistant implements appropriate interventions at ADH or at the participants’ homes as developed by the PT, and assists with home safety evaluations.
9. Teaches, supervises, and counsels the client and family regarding physical therapy treatment.
10. The Physical therapy assistant triages episodic complaints and refers to MD/NP or RNs and PT / OTR, as needed.
11. Completes all reports, personnel actions and other documents in a timely manner.
12. Ensures that all interactions with clients are conducted in a manner that adheres to the highest standards of care for all Element Care clients.

13.   Ability to pass a fit test. Position requires mask where seal is critical. Incumbent is required to not have facial hair that interferes with a tight seal of the respirator.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Develops mutually agreeable performance goals for all direct reports.  Assists direct reports, as necessary, in developing performance goals for their direct reports.
2. Monitors results, provides coaching, counseling and direction as necessary.  Reviews and evaluates staff at regular intervals.
3. Maintains and communicates all operating policies and procedures to all subordinates on an on-going basis.
4. Participates in Quality Improvement projects and assessments, as needed.
5. Participates in Element Care Committees, as required, and communicates relative information, as necessary.
6. Completes the required annual Health Stream trainings in a timely manner.
7. Adheres to all policies and procedures and supports the Primary Vision Statement.
8. Adheres to the confidentiality policy of Element Care including HIPAA guidelines pertaining to the release of participant information.
9. Flexible to perform other related jobs, as is reasonable.

Covid vaccine required.