Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Full-Time

PACS

12d•$40 - $45

About The Position

Westgate Gardens Care Center is seeking a compassionate and motivated full-time Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join its rehabilitation team in a skilled nursing environment. Under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the PTA provides skilled treatment to help residents improve mobility, balance, strength, safety, and functional independence. The role collaborates with an interdisciplinary team and supports residents, families, caregivers, and facility staff in achieving treatment goals and planning for ongoing care. The PTA must practice within the California Physical Therapy Practice Act and applicable supervision requirements, complete accurate and compliant documentation, follow facility and payer requirements, and maintain resident, employee, and company confidentiality. The position involves frequent standing and walking; occasional sitting; reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and manipulating equipment; and potentially occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. It may require exerting more than 100 pounds occasionally, more than 50 pounds frequently, or more than 20 pounds regularly when safely assisting residents or moving equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Requirements

Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program.
Current California Physical Therapist Assistant license in good standing.
Current CPR certification as required by facility policy or licensure.
Knowledge of safe resident-handling, transfer, mobility, and fall-prevention techniques.
Strong clinical reasoning, communication, and time-management skills.
Ability to read and understand treatment plans, technical procedures, and facility policies.
Ability to work independently while maintaining appropriate communication with the supervising Physical Therapist.
Must complete all required continuing education and maintain active licensure.

Nice To Haves

Skilled nursing, long-term care, geriatric, or post-acute rehabilitation experience.
Proficiency with electronic documentation systems such as Net Health and PointClickCare.

Responsibilities

Provide physical therapy treatment according to the supervising Physical Therapist’s plan of care.
Carry out therapeutic exercise, transfer training, gait training, balance activities, and other approved interventions.
Monitor residents’ responses to treatment and promptly communicate changes, concerns, or progress to the supervising Physical Therapist.
Complete timely, accurate, and compliant treatment documentation.
Follow facility, governmental, professional, and third-party payer requirements.
Communicate with physicians, nursing staff, rehabilitation professionals, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
Participate in resident-care conferences, rehabilitation meetings, and interdisciplinary discussions as needed.
Practice within the California Physical Therapy Practice Act and all applicable supervision requirements.
Educate residents, families, and caregivers regarding treatment goals, home exercise programs, safety techniques, fall prevention, and maintenance programs.
Assist the Nursing Department with training Restorative Aides when requested.
Provide staff education and in-service training as appropriate.
Recommend and assist with obtaining durable medical equipment that supports safe mobility and independence, including walkers, canes, splints, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection-control, safety, and equipment-maintenance procedures.
Report damaged or malfunctioning rehabilitation equipment promptly.
Contribute to quality-assurance, performance-improvement, and rehabilitation-program initiatives.
Maintain the confidentiality of resident, employee, and company information.
Develop positive and professional relationships with residents, families, coworkers, and healthcare partners.
Perform additional duties within the PTA scope of practice as assigned.