Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) - FullTime

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 professionalsProvides 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 policyBuilds 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 situationsEnhancing 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 environmentUnderstand managed care/Prospective Payment System (PPS) billing and treatment guidelines. Provide quality care as well as reasonable goals and outcomes within the guidelinesCompliant with infection control procedures and environmental safety protocol within a facilityMaintain confidentiality of Lagniappe Rehabilitation, facility and patient informationRequired Credentials:Graduate of an APTA accredited school for Physical Therapist AssistantsValid state license (where appropriate)Valid driver's licenseAbilities:Travel between facilities during scheduled hoursWork varying hours, including weekends and holidaysPerforms all other duties as assigned by Rehabilitation DirectorAttendance at all Lagniappe Rehabilitation staff meetings is mandatoryPatient 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 aloneTo walk, bend, stand and reach constantly during a work day/shiftVisual, 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 communicationsFine motor skills for legible and accurate writing and keystroking for charting, scheduling, daily correspondence, and reportsFine motor skills for handling of diagnostic and therapeutic equipmentSustain activity for multiple consecutive hours in accordance with state labor laws