Physical Therapist Assistant - Per Diem

This Physical Therapist Assistant (Per Diem) performs patient treatments and patient care activities under the general supervision of a physical therapist. The position is directly responsible to a physical therapist for the performance of duties as assigned and supervised by a therapist. This entry-level physical therapist assistant is expected to provide physical therapy services according to an established treatment plan under the direction of a physical therapist. Must be able to perform all responsibilities of a Physical Therapist Assistant as required and assigned by supervisor.

Apply By Date: July 16, 2026, at 11:59 PM (Recruitment and interviews may occur at any time)

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload a license and/or certification if required for the position

• Must be a California Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (PTASST)
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification or UC Davis Health CPR
• Must have one year of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in the inpatient rehab or acute care settings
• Basic knowledge in physical therapy, as identified by the Physical Therapy Practice Act, and certification by the State of California
• Judgmental skills. Verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with hospital staff in a clear, concise, professional manner
• Organizational and developmental skills
• Skills and ability to work in stressful situations
• Tact and diplomacy skills
• Ability to provide and accept guidance and criticism
• Ability to assist physical therapists and other staff with patients requiring therapy services of two or more persons
• The knowledge to properly prepare patients for treatment and provide modalities and procedures to patients under the supervision of a therapist
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, and skills in monitoring patients' physiological status during the course of treatment
• Ability to effectively communicate with the therapist about the patient's overall status
• Knowledge of indications and contraindications and the application of various physical therapy, hydrotherapy, modalities, and procedures
• The ability to provide treatments as requested, under the supervision of a therapist
• Ability to schedule and transport patients in wheelchairs or on gurneys to and from the treatment unit
• Ability to prepare equipment and patient for treatment, remove and reapply dressing and bandages, and clean and disinfect equipment after each patient's treatment in accordance with established policy and procedure
• Ability to accurately document patient progress records and accurately prepare patient charge documents
• Ability to make a safety check of the work area, check the safety of equipment, and report any deficiency or malfunction of equipment immediately to the supervisor
• Ability to clean work area, mats, equipment, apparatus, and prepare linen and supplies for daily requirements
• Must see well enough to observe patient reactions and read relevant monitors, relevant device settings, and relevant written information such as the patient's medical record
• Must hear and speak well enough to communicate with patients and staff throughout the day
• Must possess the physical strength to assist with patient mobility
• Must possess sufficient mobility to traverse the distances required to serve patients throughout the institution
• Must have basic computer skills
• Ability to participate in departmental and sectional meetings as required

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - Provide patient treatment and patient care activities for routine patients of all ages as directed by a therapist from a predetermined physical therapy treatment plan.
• 5% - Educational Activities
• 5% - Miscellaneous assignments as required

Department Overview

The primary purpose of the Joint Venture Rehabilitation Hospital is to provide a full range of rehabilitation services designed to restore patients to their optimal functional capacity. The hospital is a 52-bed rehabilitation hospital on the Sacramento Medical Center campus. It is equipped with leading-edge amenities and adaptive units where patients can practice typical activities of daily living. The rehabilitation hospital also includes a 12-bed brain injury unit and four private rooms for bariatric patients.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $47.37
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 162
• UC Job Title: PHYS THER AST PD
• UC Job Code: 008951
• Number of Positions: 2
• Appointment Type: Per Diem
• Percentage of Time: 20 % Part Time
• Shift (Work Schedule): Day shift (08 hours)
• Location: Joint Venture Rehab Hospital, Sacramento, CA
• Union Representation: EX-Patient Care Technical
• Benefits Eligible: No
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources, and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial, and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page .

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations, and learn about collective bargaining at UC:

• High-quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
• Extensive leave benefits, including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
• Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
• On-site Employee Assistance Program, including access to free mental health services
• Supplemental insurance offered, including additional life, short/long-term disability, pet insurance, and legal coverage
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
• Retirement benefit options for eligible roles, including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Numerical skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Work Environment

• UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco-free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis-owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
• Must be able to occasionally work weekends and holidays.
• Must supply all appropriate information to maintain Hospital credentialing on time.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation, clearance, and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures, and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community , our Clinical Strategic Plan, and our strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit:

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere #CA-ZM

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