PACE Physical Therapy Assistant

San Ysidro Health • Vista, CA

108d

About The Position

The Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA), under the direction of the Physical Therapist, is responsible for implementation of a program of physical therapy for PACE patients to help them remain independent and live safely in the community.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Physical Therapy Program (PTA) culminating in an associate degree in Physical Therapy.
• 2 years field experience with geriatric population beyond completion of degree requirements.
• License as a Physical Therapist Assistant in CA.
• BLS/CPR Certification.
• Excellent oral, written, and computer skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain therapeutic relationships and to participate in a multi-cultural, multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for treatment and rehabilitation of disabilities and functional impairments.
• Ingenuity and imagination in adapting modalities to individual needs.
• Familiarity with the Older Americans Act, American with Disabilities Act, and Area Agencies on aging.
• Patience and strong interpersonal skills.

Nice To Haves

• Bi-lingual (English /Spanish speaking) and bi-cultural in therapeutic approach strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement a program of physical therapy for patients enrolled in PACE based on recommendations from the Physical Therapist.
• Access day services that may include therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, rehabilitation services, functional activities, gait training, orthotics training, and prosthesis training.
• Make recommendations to the Physical Therapist to modify the program as needed based on the patient population.
• Implement an individualized plan of care to decrease or eliminate disability, increase, or maintain capability for independence, and develop function to the maximum level.
• Ensure that the individual plan of care is being followed.
• Provide therapies including muscle, nerve joint and functional ability tests; treatment to relieve pain, develop or restore function, and assistance to achieve and maintain maximum performance using physical means such as exercise and modalities.
• Guide patients and caregivers in the use of adaptive devices and therapeutic, creative, and self-care activities for improving function.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and make recommendations to modify goals as necessary.
• Record and sign treatments in the patient’s health record.
• Ensure services provided are in a therapeutic setting conducive to restoring dignity and self-esteem to all patients.
• Assist Physical Therapist to ensure that required equipment and supplies for the physical therapy program are available or ordered as needed.
• Keep abreast of all regulations and standards to ensure compliance with orders or directives issued by duly constituted government/regulatory agencies.
• Participate in training programs for staff and caregivers.
• Maintain and follow established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Enhance professional growth and development through participation in education programs, current literature, in-service meetings and workshops.
• Adhere to and model SYHC’s core values and behaviors of Excellence, Empowerment, Integrity and Respect.
• Adhere to SYHC and PACE attendance and punctuality policies and procedures.
• Attend meetings as required and participate on committees as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Benefits

• Commitment to long-term care in a community setting and promoting maximum patient independence and functional ability.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees