Physical Therapy Asst

Sonoma Specialty Hospital•Sebastopol, CA

About The Position

The Physical Therapist Assistant provides direct patient care under the supervision of a Physical Therapist, using physical therapy modalities and procedures ordered by patients’ physicians. The role carries out the supervising Physical Therapist’s treatment program for adults and geriatric patients with diverse and medically complex conditions, including recovery from respiratory failure, stroke, sepsis, or serious wounds. The position is part-time, with 8-hour shifts 2–3 times per week. The assistant monitors and documents patient responses and progress, communicates with the supervising Physical Therapist and interdisciplinary team, and helps patients and caregivers prepare for discharge. The role requires adherence to safety precautions, department and hospital policies, regulatory guidelines, state practice acts, and APTA ethical standards.

Requirements

Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited school, college, or institution.
Current California licensure as a Physical Therapist Assistant.
Current AHA-compliant BLS certification.
No previous work experience required.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in an acute care facility or outpatient clinic.

Responsibilities

Execute the treatment program established by the supervising Physical Therapist using techniques and modalities such as therapeutic exercise, gait training, and physical agents.
Monitor patient responses to treatment, adjust activities within the plan of care, and recommend changes to the supervising Physical Therapist as patient needs change.
Provide therapy to adults and geriatric patients with diverse diagnostic and medically complex conditions.
Follow diagnosis-related precautions and safety measures when handling patients and equipment, and observe indications and contraindications for treatment.
Complete timely and accurate medical-record documentation of treatment, patient responses, and progress in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory guidelines.
Communicate patient status, problems, and progress to the supervising Physical Therapist and interdisciplinary team, including at patient care conferences.
Assist with discharge planning by educating patients and families or caregivers about home exercise programs and discussing adaptive equipment needs for a safe transition.
Comply with department, hospital, and regulatory agency guidelines, state practice acts, and APTA ethical standards.
Work independently, make sound decisions, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Adapt to changing system and patient needs and work professionally in a high-stress environment.
Communicate and interact effectively with patients, families, and the multidisciplinary team.