Physical Therapist Assistant, Ergonomics & Wound Care, Day Shift

Job Summary Cost Accounting Type: Variable Direct Exempt: No Provides expert treatment skills in specialty areas of Physical Therapy, including certification in Wound Care, Ergonomics, or other clinical specialties. Works under limited supervision of a physical therapist while administering various APTA standard physical therapy treatments for disabilities, injuries, and diseases to relieve pain, restore motor function, and maintain optimal performance through special therapeutic exercises, heat treatments, massages, hydrotherapy treatments, electricity, etc., or as otherwise prescribed by the attending physician. This position is represented by RCHEA. Responsibilities Administers and performs standard physical therapy procedures, including active/passive exercise, massage, walking, running, muscle re‑education with modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction devices, fomentations, whirlpools, etc., and provides instruction on the proper use of wheelchairs, crutches, canes, braces, prosthetic devices, etc. Assists with ongoing collaborative interdisciplinary planning to ensure high‑quality home health care services. Maintains compliance with hospital and departmental policies, including overtime, attendance, vacation, confidentiality, and completes assigned projects timely. Attends case conferences to evaluate patients’ progress and plan future therapy. Attends departmental staff meetings and in‑service sessions as required. Conforms to established departmental quality assurance standards and participates in the Performance Improvement Plan activities as requested. Demonstrates and instructs patients and other home health staff on proper use of PT modalities, massage, and exercises for use between treatments, and instructs families/caregivers on prescribed discharge programs. Documents patients’ progress by recording necessary information in treatment records and charts progress notes daily or as required. Implements treatment under direction of the Physical Therapist and the physician’s orders. Checks with the PT periodically to reassess and plan additional therapy. Keeps current on the latest developments in physical therapy by reading professional literature, participating in educational classes, etc., to maintain competence. Maintains and meets all licensing, certification, and education requirements as outlined by local administration, Adventist Health, the Joint Commission, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and other regulatory agencies. Orients patients to all therapeutic procedures and provides reassurance throughout the session. Prepares patients and equipment such as traction devices and exercise equipment for prescribed treatments. Provides patient care in specialty areas under the supervision of the Physical Therapist, responsible for treatment, program development, and marketing of specialized skills. Provides in‑service and education to department, hospital, physician staff, and the general public as needed. Reports patient progress or complications directly to the attending physician as needed. Schedules and completes visits within established timeframes. Takes initiative to contact the physical therapist or other home health professionals to ensure quality care. Willingly performs other duties and innovations as assigned. Licenses and Certifications Valid California driver’s license when travel is required. Certificate in Physical Therapy Assistant or eligibility for registration as a Physical Therapy Assistant in the State of California. Current CPR course completion. Licensed California Physical Therapy Assistant. Member of the American Physical Therapy Association (preferred). Evidence of automobile insurance when travel is required. Physical Requirements Frequent standing, walking, reaching, talking, hearing, occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, working from ladders, using hands to handle objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision requirements: close, distance, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Occasional lifting of boxes or supplies up to 80 pounds; must be able to lift a 50‑pound box from the floor. Potential exposure to blood and body fluids: Category 3 (no direct procedures involving exposure). Work environment includes use of cell phone, general office equipment, and physical therapy equipment such as hot packs, fomentations, electrical stimulation, modalities, exercise equipment, weights, walking aids, computer exercise equipment, O₂ saturation equipment, whirlpools, wheelchairs, traction devices, and diathermy. Qualifications Able to organize and monitor the work of others. Relate effectively with patients, nurses, physicians, and other hospital/home health staff in a courteous, professional manner. Work independently with minimal supervision. Analytical and diagnostic ability to interpret physician orders and develop effective treatment plans. Utilizes good oral and written communication skills sufficient for job demands. Education and Experience Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy or a related field from a two‑year college, technical school, or equivalent. More than 10 years of experience with expert treatment skills in specialty areas of Physical Therapy, including certification in Wound Care, Ergonomics, or other clinical specialties. Organizational Requirements Adventist Health requires all associates to receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply. Other Requirements Adventist Health participates in E‑Verify. By applying you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E‑Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand their contents. #J-18808-Ljbffr