Physical Therapist - Per Diem

Job Description

Join Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and be part of a team that proudly cares for our friends, family, and neighbors across East Hawai'i.

The Physical Therapist Assistant provides compassionate, evidence-based rehabilitation services under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to help residents improve mobility, restore function, and achieve the highest possible level of independence. This role plays a vital part in supporting safe, high-quality resident care by implementing individualized treatment plans, monitoring progress, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team while developing clinical expertise in a skilled nursing environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Implement individualized physical therapy treatment plans established by the supervising Physical Therapist to improve residents' mobility, strength, balance, functional independence, and safety.
• Monitor resident progress, communicate changes in functional status, and assist the Physical Therapist with evaluations, reassessments, discharge planning, and recommendations for assistive devices.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment plans, therapeutic exercises, and progress under the direction of the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation while meeting productivity expectations and adhering to Medicare, CMS, and facility standards.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to support resident-centered care, safe transitions, and positive rehabilitation outcomes.
• Promote resident safety by following infection prevention practices, regulatory requirements, culturally responsive care standards, and participating in ongoing professional development.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program.
• Current Hawaii Physical Therapist Assistant license in good standing.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• New graduate or approximately 0-4 years of clinical Physical Therapist Assistant experience; experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, or geriatric rehabilitation preferred.
• Knowledge of physical therapy interventions, Medicare guidelines, and skilled nursing documentation preferred.
• Strong communication, teamwork, clinical reasoning, electronic medical record (EMR) proficiency, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Company Description

Located in picturesque Hilo, Hawaii, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home features dedicated short-term rehabilitation services and residential long-term placement. As the only state Veterans Home on the Big Island of Hawaii, we are proud to serve our county's finest.

In addition to rehabilitation services, Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home is designed to care for your medical conditions through personalized, 24-hour skilled nursing care provided by licensed clinical specialists and therapists. With oversight and coordination with physicians and nurse practitioners, our teams work hand-in-hand to provide compassionate quality care.

Committed To Quality

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home offers more than just 24-hour nursing care, we cater to both the physical and emotional health of our residents and patients. Our care teams work together to create personalized treatment plans to help patients through their care journey. We strive to provide industry-leading outcomes through coordination of all aspects of your care.

Pre-Employment Assessments for External Candidates

As part of the recruiting process for this position, external applicants (job applicants NOTemployed by HHSC's East Hawaii Region) are required to complete pre-employment assessments shortly after application submission. If you are not an employee of the East Hawaii Region of HHSC, you will receive an email containing assessment instructions. We ask that you complete the assessments within two days of receipt of the request.


Pre-Employment Health Requirements

Offers of employment will be contingent on successfully passing a pre-employment examination, which includes a drug screen and other regulatory medical requirements such as, but not limited to, a tuberculosis (TB) screen. The cost for drug screening and blood draw for QuantiFERON and Titers, shall be borne by the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation.

YUKIO - Drug Free, Equal Opportunity Employer, E-Verify

East Hawaii State Veterans Home is a drug-free workplace, an Equal Opportunity Employer, and conducts employment verification through E-Verify.