Physical Therapy Assistant

Overview

Assists Physical Therapist in providing physical therapy services for individuals at the Helen Kaplan Program. Values and Embraces Diversity in backgrounds and experiences for every person in every community.  Strive to create an open, inclusive environment in which every employee has the opportunity to flourish.  Demonstrates a commitment to understanding cultural differences and supports a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. Values and Embraces Diversity in background and experiences for every person in every community.  Strive to create an open, inclusive environment in which every employee has the opportunity to flourish.  Demonstrates a commitment to understanding cultural differences and supports a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Responsibilities

Primary duties and responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Assists in the development of treatment plans through assessment, conducting interviews with program staff, and observing individuals to ensure delivery of appropriate services.
• Actively participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team., by attending interdisciplinary team meetings, quarterly and annual meetings, new screenings, pre-admission meetings,
• Oversees physical therapy exercises with people supported by observing them as they perform activities and provides assistance, when necessary, to ensure the development of physical strength, dexterity, and basic motor skills.
• Train residential staff and onsite day program staff on PT programs (PT guidelines, staff actions and informal goals), when a program is new or revised. Trains staff by giving instructions on therapeutic techniques, to ensure that staff is capable of continuing necessary exercises with people supported outside of the therapy sessions.
• Direct PT intervention to program participants that require this intervention, and ensure prescriptions are obtained for continued services when needed. Daily notes must be written in a timely manner
• PT staff adds and removes lines on the wall next to beds to assist nursing staff with clarifying head of bed levels of elevations when at rest and when being cared due to medical
• Assists in monitoring treatment plans by reviewing program data and observing treatment plans to ensure the relevancy and effectiveness of the plans.
• Liaison with staff, families, and administration regarding physical therapy services to ensure coordination and agreement with treatment plans.
• Maintains and tracks inventory of program participant's physical therapy equipment (i.e. wheelchairs with supports throughout including seat cushions, AFOs, shoe inserts, walkers, etc.) through monthly checks, and 2x/month checks on Roho air cushions equipment, etc.) to ensure access and availability of equipment.
• Schedule and follow up on assessments with wheelchair companies for new seating systems, necessary repairs and or modifications to wheelchairs and seating systems. Assist the physical therapist with completing necessary paperwork for insurance coverage.
• Performs additional related duties as requested by supervisor.
• Ensures that work-related safety procedures are in place and are being adhered to by staff. Observance of an unsafe act or a potentially hazardous work environment must be immediately reported to supervisor and/or safety committee.
• Report to Justice Center as a mandated reporter if there is a reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. Additionally, must follow all agency incident policy and procedures.
• Adhere to Federal and NYS regulations, agency policy and procedures, the employee handbook and agency and program training requirements. Performs additional duties as requested by supervisor.
• Read through all emails and respond as necessary in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• One year experience supporting people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities preferred. 
• Associate degree in Physical therapy required.
• NYS Physical Therapy Assistant license required.

Physical Aspects may include but are not limited to lifting and transferring of people supported.