Job Summary: The physical therapy assistant conducts client/patient treatments as designated by the supervising physical therapist. He/she use physical therapy treatment procedures to help improve mobility and relieve pain and disability caused by disease or injury. Assures resident safety.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Measures motor function, balance, coordination, muscle strength, performance and range of motion while assessing the client’s ability to function independently
• Observes client’s during treatments to compile and evaluate data on clients’ responses and progress and reports to the physical therapist recommending adjustments and modifications in order to achieve maximum benefit
• Reports pertinent changes in client’s status to the physical therapist and clinical case manager
• Provides information to the client/caregiver about the proposed intervention, its material risks and expected benefits and any reasonable alternatives
• Enhances a client’s strength, flexibility, range of motion, motor control and reduce any pain or discomfort that the client is experiencing
• Identify and document goals, anticipated progress and plans for re-evaluation
• Help client accomplish treatment plan and accept therapeutic devices by administering manual exercises; instructing, encouraging, and assisting clients in performing physical activities, such as non-manual exercises, ambulatory/functional activities, daily living activities and in using assistive and supportive devices such as walkers, canes and other prostheses
• Performs manual muscle testing, therapeutic exercises and massage therapy along with using physical agents of heat & cold for prevention, correction and alleviation of disease and injury
• Measures, fits and requisitions prostheses, orthopedic and other supporting devices necessary for increasing the client’s independence
• Teaches/instructs clients/caregivers to use orthopedic braces, prostheses and supportive devices
• Completes all required forms and records
• Maintains and ensures current comprehensive documentation of patient assessments, clinical records, services provided, reports and other required information
• Completes documentation at point of service.
• Routinely provide assistance to residents which requires lifting, pushing and balancing the equivalent of 50 pounds or greater
• Supports and adheres to all agency policies and procedures.
• Assure resident safety at all times.