Physical Therapist Assistant I

Physical Therapist Assistant

Under supervision, to assist a Physical Therapist by administering patient treatment within the parameters of a specific treatment plan. The Power of WE: Together, we can make a greater impact. Bringing better care and expanding healthcare services across the community.

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare (SCVH) is the second largest public health care system in California and includes four acute care hospitals, 14 clinics and 60+ specialty and sub-specialty services. Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare and excellent service to everyone in Santa Clara County.

Because we serve patients throughout multiple hospitals and clinics, you may have to work at different sites. We will meet any obligations we may have when this occurs.

Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) is a full-service tertiary acute care teaching hospital with 699 licensed beds providing a wide range of specialized services, including Rehabilitation, Burn, Trauma, and NICU. SCVMC was ranked by U.S. News and World Report as #6 Rehabilitation Hospital in the nation and #1 in the West and designated as a 2024 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care, Heart Failure, Stroke, Hip Fracture, and Pneumonia.

O'Connor Hospital (OCH) is a 358 licensed bed acute care facility offering a full range of inpatient and outpatient medical, surgical and specialty programs to residents of Santa Clara County. It was founded in 1889 as one of the first hospitals in the county. OCH has grown significantly over the past five years in both its inpatient volume and its Emergency Department visits. Along with these volume increases other ancillary and clinical departments like imaging, lab, pharmacy, and respiratory have seen growth as well.

St. Louise Regional Hospital (SLRH) has been caring for the residents in Santa Clara and San Benito Counties, offering a wide range of inpatient and outpatient medical specialties. SLRH has 93 beds, is a Designated Primary Stroke Center, and is the only acute care hospital in the area. Located in Gilroy, SLRH maintains a CALSTAR 2 emergency helicopter base on the premises.

Regional Medical Center (RMC) is a 265-bed hospital that is the main emergency healthcare provider for East San Jos, treating a wide range of critical and life-threatening conditions for more than 60 years. Since the SCVH integration of RMC effective 4/1/25, RMC has expanded the critical services including Level II trauma, Thrombectomy capable Stroke Center and STEMI care, and has been seeing an increased number of emergency visits and inpatient volume.

Learn more about Santa Clara Valley Healthcare.

Typical Tasks

Under direction of a Physical Therapist:

• Guides and assists patients in performing therapeutic exercises such as passive, active and resistive exercises either manually or by using resistive devices;
• Instructs and assists patients in practicing various functional activities;
• Instructs patients in use of assistive devices (canes, walkers, crutches) and other aspects of gait training;
• Applies therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound, hot and cold packs, and whirlpool;
• Applies orthotics, prosthetics, corsets and elastic bandages;
• Informs Physical Therapist regarding patient progress;
• Participates in division and service meetings;
• Instructs patient and family regarding prescribed home program;
• Maintains working area and equipment in a clean and orderly state;
• May conduct Graded Exercise (GXT) tests, monitor blood pressure and pulse or debride and dress wounds (depending on area of assignment);
• Performs related duties as required.

Employment Standards

A license to practice as a Physical Therapist Assistant in California, or status as a Physical Therapist Assistant license applicant, issued by the Physical Therapy Board of California. Knowledge of:

• Therapeutic modalities used in physical therapy;
• Procedures for gait training;
• Procedures for a standard range of therapeutic exercises for increasing strength, range-of-motion and endurance;
• Body mechanics and techniques for functional activities;
• Equipment and assistive devices used in physical therapy.

Ability to:

• Work effectively and communicate clearly with severely impaired patients who may not comprehend or be receptive to verbal instructions;
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing;
• Reach, grasp, manipulate and carry a variety of objects;
• Assist, support, lift and transfer patients.

Benefits

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the Memorandum of Understanding/Agreement with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification. In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits: The County offers robust retirement plans including a 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the CalPERS pension plan. In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees.

Health Flexible Spending Account: The Health Flexible Spending Account (HFSA) empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year).

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP): The Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the Employee Childcare Assistance Plan, an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D: The County offers life and disability benefits including Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Long-Term Disability insurance, California State Disability Insurance, and Integration with Leave.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness: The Employee Wellness Program offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement: A generous Learning and Employee Development program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

County of Santa Clara, CA