Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of criminal justice, the role of physical therapy assistants in correctional facilities is becoming increasingly critical.

With the growing focus on rehabilitation and ensuring the physical well-being of inmates, the demand for skilled professionals who can provide, monitor, and enhance physical therapy programs in these unique environments is on the rise.

But what does a correctional facility physical therapy assistant job truly entail?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring professional trying to understand the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of physical therapy within correctional facilities,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable correctional facility physical therapy assistant job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistants provide physical therapy treatments to inmates in a correctional facility.

They work under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, helping patients rehabilitate from injuries or manage chronic conditions.

The duties and responsibilities of a Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant include:

• Assist physical therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures
• Monitor and document patients’ progress during therapy sessions
• Teach and encourage patients to use assistive and adaptive devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs
• Provide education to patients and their families about treatment plans and exercises they can continue at home
• Observe patients before, during, and after therapy, noting their status and reporting to a physical therapist
• Help patients with specific exercises as part of the plan of care
• Administer modalities, such as ultrasound and electrotherapy, as directed by a physical therapist
• Maintain treatment area, equipment, and supply inventory, adhering to safety regulations within the correctional facility
• Communicate effectively with the physical therapy team and other health care professionals within the correctional facility

 

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant to join our team.

The ideal candidate will assist the Physical Therapist in the provision of physical therapy and be willing to work in a correctional facility setting.

Responsibilities include assisting in the development and implementation of treatment plans, documenting patient progress, and maintaining a safe and clean working environment.

Candidates should have a firm grasp of therapeutic exercises, modalities, and rehabilitation equipment.

Ultimately, the role of the Physical Therapy Assistant is to facilitate recovery and maintain the physical well-being of inmates.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist Physical Therapists in providing physical therapy treatments and procedures
• Document patient’s progress and response to treatment
• Observe and note patient’s progress, physical condition, and behavior, reporting any significant incidents or changes
• Maintain treatment area, equipment, and supply inventory
• Ensure adherence to appropriate safety procedures and regulations
• Communicate with patients, family, and team members regarding patient care
• Perform clerical duties, like taking inventory, ordering supplies, answering telephone, taking messages, and filling out forms

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Physical Therapy Assistant
• Completion of an accredited Physical Therapy Assistant program
• Current and valid state licensure or eligibility for state licensure as a Physical Therapy Assistant
• Ability to work with diverse populations, including incarcerated individuals
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• CPR certification
• Strong knowledge of therapy equipment and therapeutic exercises

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant
• Work Environment: Correctional Facility. This role requires direct contact with inmates.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Do?

A Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant works in correctional facilities such as prisons and detention centers, providing physical therapy to inmates under the supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist.

Their primary responsibility is to assist in the rehabilitation of inmates who may have sustained injuries or have certain medical conditions that affect their physical abilities.

They implement treatment plans designed by the Physical Therapist, which often include exercises, stretches, and the use of therapeutic equipment.

They are also responsible for monitoring inmates’ progress and reporting back to the Physical Therapist.

This involves documenting the inmates’ responses to treatment and any changes in their physical status.

In addition, they instruct inmates on how to use therapeutic equipment properly and safely, and provide education about how to manage their conditions and avoid further injuries.

Given the unique environment in which they work, they may also need to liaise with correctional staff to ensure that treatment aligns with the security protocols of the facility.

Finally, they are often tasked with maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the therapy area, as well as the upkeep of equipment, to ensure a safe and effective environment for physical therapy.

 

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant should have the following skills and qualifications:

• Knowledge and practical skills in the field of physical therapy to assist inmates in their recovery process and overall physical health.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to effectively work with inmates of diverse backgrounds and temperaments, as well as other healthcare professionals within the correctional facility.
• Ability to work in a high-stress environment and manage potentially volatile situations with calmness and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational skills for managing patient documentation, scheduling therapy sessions, and maintaining therapy equipment.
• Strong observational skills to accurately assess patient progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.
• Physical stamina and strength to assist patients with physical exercises and to handle long periods of standing or moving.
• Problem-solving skills to adapt treatment plans to individual patient needs and to address any challenges that arise during therapy sessions.
• Compliance with all local and federal laws regarding patient confidentiality, patient rights, and ethical treatment standards.
• Experience with or willingness to learn about the unique issues and challenges facing incarcerated individuals.

 

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Experience Requirements

To be a Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant, an associate degree from an accredited physical therapy assistant program is generally required.

This typically involves two years of study, including both coursework and clinical internships, to gain practical, hands-on experience.

Entry-level candidates may have less than a year of experience, often gathered through internships or part-time roles in physical therapy clinics or hospitals.

They should have a basic understanding of physical therapy procedures, patient care, and good communication skills to work in a correctional facility setting.

Candidates with 1 to 3 years of experience may have honed their skills further in outpatient clinics, inpatient rehab centers, or hospitals.

They will have developed a deeper understanding of rehabilitation methods, therapeutic exercises, and mobility training, which will be beneficial in a correctional facility environment.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a broader knowledge and understanding of complex physical therapy procedures.

This experience can be in diverse settings like acute care hospitals, orthopedic departments, or geriatric care centers.

They may also have some supervisory or managerial experience and might be prepared for roles with more responsibility within a correctional facility.

In addition to formal education and experience, physical therapy assistants must also be licensed by the state in which they wish to practice, which usually involves passing the National Physical Therapy Exam.

Additional certifications in areas such as basic life support (BLS) or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can also be beneficial.

 

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Education and Training Requirements

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistants typically require an associate’s degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.

These programs offer a combination of classroom learning and clinical experiences to provide a thorough understanding of physical therapy practices.

Coursework generally includes anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and patient care.

All states require Physical Therapy Assistants to be licensed or certified.

To obtain licensure, candidates must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam, which is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.

Some states may have additional requirements, such as background checks or additional testing.

Considering the work environment, a clean criminal record might be required for roles within a correctional facility.

Continuing education to maintain licensure is typically required, and additional certifications or specializations in areas such as geriatric or pediatric physical therapy could be beneficial.

Working in a correctional facility also requires a solid understanding of the facility’s safety protocols, rules, and regulations, and additional training in these areas may be required.

 

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Salary Expectations

A Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant can expect to earn an average salary of $56,610 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary based on factors such as years of experience in the field, qualifications, and the location of the correctional facility.

 

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant need?

Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistants should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with inmates effectively.

They should possess a solid understanding of physical therapy techniques and principles and have the physical stamina to assist in physical therapies.

Knowledge of correctional facility rules and regulations, along with an ability to handle potential emergencies or conflicts, is also crucial.

 

Do Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistants need a degree?

Yes, Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistants typically need to have an associate’s degree from an accredited physical therapist assistant program.

Some states may also require licensure or certification to practice.

Additional training or certification in correctional health may be beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant resume?

Key items to look for in a resume include a degree in physical therapy and a valid physical therapist assistant license.

Also, look for experience in a correctional facility setting or similar high-stress environments.

Skills such as patient management, rehabilitation, and physical therapy techniques are important.

Evidence of strong communication, empathy, and resilience can also be valuable qualities.

 

What qualities make a good Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant?

A good Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistant is compassionate, patient, and able to work well under pressure.

They should have excellent communication skills to effectively work with inmates, correctional staff, and other healthcare professionals.

The ability to adapt to changing circumstances, work with limited resources, and maintain professional boundaries is also crucial.

 

Is it challenging to hire Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistants?

Hiring Correctional Facility Physical Therapy Assistants can be challenging due to the specific nature of the work environment.

It requires candidates who are not only qualified as physical therapy assistants but also capable of working within a correctional facility.

This requires a unique combination of medical expertise, resilience, and an understanding of correctional systems.

Therefore, the hiring process may take longer and require a more thorough vetting process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve given you an inside look at what it truly means to be a Physical Therapy Assistant in a correctional facility.

And guess what?

It’s not just about rehabilitation exercises.

It’s about creating a path towards improved physical health and functionality, one therapy session at a time.

With our go-to correctional facility physical therapy assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into this rewarding role.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or finessing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every therapy session is a step towards a healthier future.

Let’s facilitate that journey. Together.

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