Physical Therapy Assistant - Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred

Kern Medical • Bakersfield, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Kern Medical is seeking a licensed Physical Therapy Assistant to provide direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Physical Therapist. This role involves performing corrective exercises, administering treatments, monitoring patients, maintaining communication, documenting services, participating in professional development, and ensuring treatment areas and equipment are in proper working order. The position requires clinical knowledge and skill in caring for patients of all age groups. Additional duties may include assisting with scheduling, performing tests and evaluations, explaining orthopedic recommendations, and providing patient and family instructions.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited program and/or approved by the Physical Therapy Examining Committee of the state Board of Medical Quality Assurance.
• Current licensure to practice as a Physical Therapy Assistant in California.
• Applicants who have successfully completed an accredited program and/or who have applied but have not yet taken the exam for licensure shall be identified as “license applicant” and must pass the Physical Therapy Assistant examination during their probationary period in order to comply with state guidelines.
• Appointees not possessing the American Heart Association Responder or Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) card at time of hire must successfully complete appropriate training and qualify for the RQI Responder certification within 30 days of employment.
• Employees must maintain all health requirements designated by Kern Medical.
• Knowledge of principles and methods of physical therapy and the roles of the Physical Therapist and the Physical Therapy Assistant.
• Knowledge of objectives of physical therapy treatment.
• Knowledge of human anatomy and physiology.
• Knowledge of various types of physical therapy treatments and procedures.
• Knowledge of operation and care of various types of physical therapy equipment.
• Ability to use and care for orthopedic appliances and special equipment.
• Ability to explain, teach and administer physical therapy treatments and procedures.
• Ability to keep records of case histories and prepare reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients and staff.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) Preferred
• Other unit specific certification may be required.
• If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.
• If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

Responsibilities

• Performs a program of corrective exercise and treatment for assigned patients under the direction of a Physical Therapist who has assessed and evaluated the patient.
• Monitors patients performing therapeutic exercise.
• Administers treatments such as exercise, gait training, massage, whirlpool, hot packs, diathermy, ultrasound, paraffin, ice packs and traction under supervision of the Physical Therapist.
• Observes patients undergoing treatment and reports unusual occurrences and physical condition of the patients to the Physical Therapist.
• Maintains appropriate communication with supervisor, physical therapy staff, patients and other hospital personnel.
• Follows appropriate documentation procedures and established guidelines to record information and maintain records of services provided.
• Participates in professional development through continuing education and in service training.
• Monitors quality management issues.
• Maintains treatment areas and equipment in proper working order.
• Dependent upon area of practice or department assignments, demonstrates clinical knowledge and skill in the care of the newborn, infant, toddler, child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient ranging up to 100+ years of age.
• Assists in scheduling physical therapy services and coordinating physical therapy with other types of services provided.
• Assists in the performing tests and evaluations to establish treatment goals and chart patient progress.
• Assists in explaining orthopedic recommendations and their benefits.
• Provides instructions to patients and the relatives.
• Performs other job related duties as required.

Benefits

• New Hire Premium : +6% of base rate of pay, matched up to 6% if contributed to Deferred Compensation Plan.
• A Comprehensive Benefits Package : includes Holidays, Paid Time Off, Retirement, Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance.
• Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.
• This position may be eligible for participation and company contributions into the Kern County Employees’ Retirement Plan.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree