DSHS Lakeland Village Physical Therapy Assistant 1

State of Washington Dept. of Social and Health Services; Medical Lake (WA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5% Premium Pay for on-site work 3+days

Job summary

Lakeland Village in Medical Lake, WA is seeking a Physical Therapy Assistant 1 to work under a licensed Physical Therapist to provide essential therapy care for residents with complex medical and behavioral needs.

You will assist with evaluations, implement therapy plans, and train staff on PT goals and safe transfer techniques, contributing to residents’ functional independence and quality of life.

Qualifications

• Associate of Science in Physical Therapy with patient treatment experience.
• Ability to safely move patients and operate equipment.
• Equivalent education or experience may be considered for all minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Provide PT services to residents with complex needs, including exercise programs and mobility training.
• Support PT with evaluations, updates, and documentation; assist with equipment-related assessments.
• Train staff on PT goals, safe transfers, and equipment usage.
• Coordinate wheelchair clinic, evaluate wheelchairs/adaptive equipment and liaise with vendors.
• Write progress notes and participate in treatment planning with IDT.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other therapists for coordinated care.
• Maintain treatment areas and follow safety and infection control policies.

Skills

PT assistance

Safety awareness

Documentation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

AS degree in Physical Therapy

Tools

Electronic Medical Records

Job description

Join our team at Lakeland Village in Medical Lake, WA!

As a Physical Therapy Assistant 1, you will work under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to provide essential physical therapy care and treatment to clients/residents with complex medical and behavioral needs. You will assist with evaluations, implement therapy plans, and provide clinical education and in-service training to staff, helping improve the quality of life and functional independence of those we serve. Your work is vital in supporting the health, safety, and well-being of our residents in a collaborative and compassionate environment.

Lakeland Village is a state-operated, 24-hour residential facility serving approximately 210 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Located in Medical Lake and established in 1914, it offers a range of services through certified Nursing Facility and Intermediate Care Facility (ICF/IID) programs. Residents receive comprehensive care that includes medical and nursing support, therapeutic programming, and individualized treatment plans designed to promote independence and quality of life in a home‑like setting. Lakeland Village also offers day programs focused on sensory integration, vocational training, and recreational activities, along with short-term respite services for eligible individuals.

Some of what you'll do

• Provide physical therapy services to clients/residents with complex medical and behavioral needs, including exercise programs, mobility training, and therapeutic activities.
• Support the Physical Therapist with evaluations, updates, and documentation; assist with assessments related to equipment needs, restraint reduction, and skilled PT services.
• Train and provide direction to PT staff, Adult Training Specialists (ATS), and cottage staff on PT goals, safe transfer techniques, and proper use of equipment.
• Facilitate wheelchair clinic, evaluate clients for wheelchairs/adaptive equipment, coordinate orders, and serve as liaison with vendors.
• Write progress notes and reports for the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT); participate in conferences and treatment planning.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other therapists to ensure coordinated care and effective treatment plans.
• Maintain treatment areas, supplies, and equipment; follow safety and infection control policies, attend training, and perform other duties as assigned.

Who should apply?

• An Associate of Science degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited program with patient treatment experience.
• Physical ability to safely move patients and operate equipment.

Equivalent education or experience may be considered for all minimum qualifications, except where specific legal requirements such as licenses, certifications, or registrations are required.

Preferred skills, knowledge, and abilities:

• Ability to support clients with challenging behaviors, including those with dual diagnoses of developmental disabilities and mental illness.
• Ability to maintain high standards of care and follow established procedures.
• Effective communication skills with management, peers, clients/residents, and the public.
• Knowledge of mandatory reporting requirements; ability to identify and report abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with staff across disciplines.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear progress reports.
• Ability and willingness to transport clients/residents as needed.

Additional information:

• Work schedule: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
• Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle. Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at [phone]. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.

Relationship and Reporting Structure (Necotim?) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.

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