Job Summary:To assist in providing quality patient care while maintaining positive levels of interaction with facilities and clients, under the direction of a licensed or registered Physical Therapist. Adheres to applicable state regulation concerning physical therapy.Essential Functions:
- Under the direction of the licensed/registered physical therapist, optimizes functional abilities and skills of patients in facilities by: assisting in screening and initial evaluation of all patients; implementing treatment for all assigned patients; delivering treatment according to the established treatment plan; accurately documenting progress toward objectives and communicating patient status and needs to the patient, the patient's family, the staff and other professionals
- Provides direct supervision of Rehab Aide in skilled tasks during group and individual treatment in a manner that promotes appropriate utilization of resources and development of clinical skills in accordance with State Practice Acts and Lagniappe Rehabilitation policy
- Builds a strong rehabilitation care practice within each facility by: establishing and maintaining courteous and helpful interaction patterns with staff, patients and families which reflects sensitivity to individual needs and a problem-solving approach; contributing to facility patient care, utilization review, administrative staff/department head, and family conference activities/communications as directed by the Physical Therapist; establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other healthcare professionals and colleagues in the community; maintaining awareness of change in patient populations, patient conditions and programs and keeping the licensed or registered Physical Therapist informed directly and in a timely manner, of patient progress and facility issues; adhering to the requirements of the patient's Bill of Rights; adhering to established facility policies and procedures related to environmental safety, orderliness, risk management, infection control and emergency situations
- Enhancing clinical expertise, professional and management skills through interaction with managers, therapists and other professional staff, self-study, and other continuing education activities; maintaining valid state license (where appropriate); obtain membership and participate in professional organizations; maintain awareness of issues related to the profession of physical therapy and the health care environment
- Understand managed care/Prospective Payment System (PPS) billing and treatment guidelines. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelines
- Compliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facility
- Maintain confidentiality of Lagniappe Rehabilitation, facility and patient information
Required Credentials:
- Graduate of an APTA accredited school for Physical Therapist Assistants
- Valid state license (where appropriate)
- Valid driver's license
Abilities:
- Travel between facilities during scheduled hours
- Work varying hours, including weekends and holidays
- Performs all other duties as assigned by Rehabilitation Director
- Attendance at all Lagniappe Rehabilitation staff meetings is mandatory
- Patient lifting using appropriate biomechanical techniques frequently throughout the course of a work day/shift; must be capable of easily lifting (50) pounds of dead weight alone
- To walk, bend, stand and reach constantly during a work day/shift
- Visual, auditory and speaking skills sufficient to evaluate, diagnose, communicate and monitor patient needs, and to maintain accurate records, recognize people and provide and understand written, verbal and gestural communications
- Fine motor skills for legible and accurate writing and keystroking for charting, scheduling, daily correspondence, and reports
- Fine motor skills for handling of diagnostic and therapeutic equipment
- Sustain activity for multiple consecutive hours in accordance with state labor laws