Physical Therapy Assistant - Per Diem - Shift

Kern Medical•Bakersfield, CA

About The Position

Under the supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist, the Physical Therapy Assistant provides direct patient care using physical therapy modalities and procedures in accordance with orders from the patient's physician. The role is licensed by the State of California and performs direct patient care activities under the direction and supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist. Unlike a Physical Therapist, the assistant does not independently evaluate, plan, and implement rehabilitation programs; unlike a Physical Therapy Aide, the assistant may provide direct patient care. This is a per diem position that supplements department staffing needs, with no guarantee of minimum hours. The employee must be willing and available to work four shifts per four-week scheduling period. The estimated pay is $49.6911 per hour; additional compensation may be available through differentials, incentives, and bonuses. Assignments may involve patients ranging from newborns through adults aged 100 or older. Depending on the assignment, applicants may need to pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted. Employees are designated Disaster Service Workers and are expected to remain at work or report as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster. A valid California driver's license and compliance with the applicable vehicle-use policy are required if job responsibilities involve driving.

Requirements

Graduate from an accredited program and/or a program approved by the Physical Therapy Examining Committee of the State Board of Medical Quality Assurance.
Hold current California licensure to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant. Applicants who have completed an accredited program and applied but have not yet taken the licensing examination must pass it during their probationary period; failure to do so results in termination.
If not holding an American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at hire, successfully complete the required training and qualify for RQI Responder certification within 30 days of employment; maintain the certification and competency as a condition of employment.
Maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
Possess any other unit-specific certification required for the assignment.
Know physical therapy principles and methods, the roles of the Physical Therapist and Physical Therapy Assistant, and the objectives of physical therapy treatment.
Know human anatomy and physiology, physical therapy treatments and procedures, and the operation and care of physical therapy equipment.
Be able to use and care for orthopedic appliances and special equipment; explain, teach, and administer physical therapy treatments and procedures; keep case-history records and prepare reports; and communicate effectively with patients and staff.
If job responsibilities require driving, hold a current valid California driver's license and comply with the applicable Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy; additional driver-record authorization is required when driving a vehicle owned, leased, or rented by Kern Medical.
Depending on assignment, pass an extensive background investigation and be fingerprinted; potential disqualification for felony, misdemeanor, and traffic offenses is assessed case by case.
As a Disaster Service Worker, remain at work or report as soon as practicable following a significant emergency or disaster.

Responsibilities

Perform corrective exercise and treatment programs for assigned patients under the direction of a Physical Therapist who has assessed and evaluated the patient.
Monitor patients performing therapeutic exercise.
Administer supervised treatments, including exercise, gait training, massage, whirlpool, hot packs, diathermy, ultrasound, paraffin, ice packs, and traction.
Observe patients undergoing treatment and report unusual occurrences and their physical condition to the Physical Therapist.
Maintain appropriate communication with the supervisor, physical therapy staff, patients, and other hospital personnel.
Follow documentation procedures and established guidelines to record information and maintain service records.
Participate in professional development through continuing education and in-service training, and monitor quality management issues.
Maintain treatment areas and equipment in proper working order.
Demonstrate clinical knowledge and skill in caring for patients from newborn through geriatric age, depending on the practice area or assignment.
Assist with scheduling physical therapy services and coordinating them with other services.
Assist with tests and evaluations used to establish treatment goals and chart patient progress.
Assist with explaining orthopedic recommendations and their benefits, and provide instructions to patients and relatives.
Perform other job-related duties as required.