Physical Therapist Assistant

Physical Therapist Assistant

Under supervision from the Medical Director, the Physical Therapist Assistant is responsible for evaluating, planning, and administering physical therapy treatment programs as prescribed by a physician. This position provides comprehensive rehabilitative care using various therapeutic techniques, equipment, and assistive devices to improve or restore patient function. The Physical Therapist Assistant maintains accurate documentation, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, and ensures delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care in alignment with organizational standards.

Specific duties and responsibilities include:

1. Provides skilled physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist in accordance with established plans of care.
2. Implements treatment plans established by the Physical Therapist to improve patient function, mobility, strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and activities of daily living.
3. Administers therapeutic exercises, therapeutic activities, gait training, balance training, neuromuscular reeducation, transfer training, and other rehabilitative interventions as appropriate to the patient's treatment plan.
4. Applies therapeutic modalities and treatment techniques consistent with physician orders, Physical Therapist direction, professional standards, and organizational policies.
5. Observes, monitors, and documents patient responses to treatment and communicates significant findings, changes in condition, concerns, or recommendations to the supervising Physical Therapist in a timely manner.
6. Assists patients in safely performing prescribed exercises and functional activities while promoting independence, safety, and achievement of treatment goals.
7. Instructs and educates patients, family members, and caregivers regarding home exercise programs, therapeutic activities, safety precautions, and wellness strategies as directed by the Physical Therapist.
8. Completes accurate, timely, and thorough clinical documentation, including daily treatment notes, objective findings, patient progress, treatment interventions performed, and responses to care.
9. Assists the Physical Therapist in gathering information regarding patient progress toward established goals and contributes relevant treatment information for progress reports and care coordination activities.
10. Collaborates effectively with physicians, providers, nursing staff, referral sources, and interdisciplinary team members to support continuity of care and positive patient outcomes.
11. Provides professional and courteous communication with patients, families, coworkers, and visitors while maintaining confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational standards.
12. Assists with maintaining a safe, clean, organized, and properly equipped therapy environment; cleans, stores, and monitors therapy equipment and supplies in accordance with infection control and safety standards.
13. Collaborate with Physical Therapy Aides and support personnel as delegated by the Physical Therapist and within the scope of applicable regulations.
14. Assists with scheduling coordination, patient flow, and other clinic support activities as needed to promote efficient department operations.
15. Demonstrates reliability through consistent attendance, punctuality, professional appearance, and adherence to departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
16. Participates in quality improvement activities, required training programs, staff meetings, compliance initiatives, and continuing professional development activities.

Qualifications include:

Doctorate or Master's degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program required. Experience providing direct patient care in a clinical or rehabilitative setting is preferred. Demonstrated ability to independently assess, plan, and implement therapeutic interventions.

Education/Experience: Associate of Science (A.S.) or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program required. One (1) year of experience in an outpatient rehabilitation, physical therapy, or healthcare setting is preferred. New graduates with appropriate clinical training and licensure are encouraged to apply. Must demonstrate the ability to provide compassionate, patient-centered care while maintaining professional standards and effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Must be at least 18 years old.

Licenses/Certifications: Current and valid licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in the State of California is required and must be maintained throughout employment. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association or equivalent provider is required or must be obtained within a timeframe established by SIHC. A valid driver's license is required and must be maintained throughout employment. Applicants must be able to travel throughout the organization's service area including all SIHC site locations. Current certifications and/or licenses are appropriate to the positions required education and profession.

Character: Applicants must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Must be responsible and able to exercise good judgment, accept administrative supervision, pay attention to detail, follow instructions, including the ability to interact effectively and communicate with people in a professional and courteous manner. Must be highly confidential and work as a team with other staff. Applicants should be sensitive to client's needs.

Skills: Strong team building, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective peer relationships with coworkers within the Department, clinic-wide, and the public. Must be able to express ideas clearly, concisely, address audiences effectively, and exercise balanced judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions. Willing to be part of a team and cooperate in accomplishing department goals and objectives. Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, take initiative, be proactive, and function in a rapidly changing environment. Ability to work with people of all social and ethnic backgrounds, resolves conflicts, negotiates situations, and facilitates consensus.

Physical and Personal Requirements: Normal clinic/office environment. Sit or stand for long periods of time. Reach, bend, climb, stoop, lift up to 25 lbs. repetitive hand movement; use and view PC. Reliable transportation and car insurance as required by the state. Travel as needed.

Compliance: Each employee plays a key role in creating a compliance culture at SIHC. Employees are expected to learn and comply with all SIHC policies and procedures. One must have the ability to understand the implications and complexities of all compliance policies. Participation in all compliance training is mandatory, and generally has a heightened awareness of policies and regulations that are specific to one's department and position. All SIHC employees are expected to report violations or suspected violations of compliance policies or regulations.

Other: Applicants must successfully pass a pre-screening tuberculin skin test or x-ray and a blood/urine drug screening test. Health must be adequate to perform all duties of the position. Applicants must complete SIHC Application and Authorization Form, both must be submitted to Human Resources prior to the close date indicated.

Indian Preference: In the filling of any SIHC job vacancy, preference may be given to qualified Native American Indians, pursuant to the Indian Preference Hiring Act, 25 USC 472, unless other laws require the filling of a vacancy without regard to Indian preference (e.g. Public Law (P.L.) 94-437, "Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). To receive Indian Tribe preference for any SIHC position, the applicant must be enrolled, or be eligible for enrollment, as an American Indian with their Tribe, or must be certified as an American Indian from the designated Tribal Representative. Applicants claiming Indian preference must attach verification of their claim to the SIHC application, including Certification of form BIA-4432, which is available from the SIHC Human Resources Department. If verification is not or cannot be verified, the applicant will not receive Indian preference for purposes of the interview.