Physical Therapist Assistant

Stanislaus County; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Stanislaus County seeks a compassionate Physical Therapist Assistant to work with children from birth to 21 years under the supervision of a Physical Therapist. The role focuses on pediatric care for complex medical conditions with outpatient and in-home/community settings, and involves collaboration with families and an interdisciplinary team.

Requirements include graduation from an accredited PTA program and a current California PTA license.

Qualifications

• PTA graduate with California licensure.
• Experience with children with complex medical conditions preferred.
• Ability to implement treatment plans under a PT supervision.

Responsibilities

• Implement treatment plans established by the Physical Therapist.
• Report patient progress and changes in status to the PT.
• Monitor progress and adjust plans within established care.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and progress reports.
• Assist in equipment assessment and caregiver training.
• Collaborate with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

Pediatric care

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Family-centered care

Communication skills

Clinical observation

Education

Graduation from an accredited PTA program

CA PTA license

Job description

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Health Services Agency is seeking a compassionate and skilled Physical Therapist Assistant with pediatric experience serving children with complex medical conditions. They demonstrate expertise in implementing treatment plans and evidence-based interventions under the direction of a Physical Therapist, while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary teams, caregivers, and families. The candidate is organized, adaptable, and committed to providing culturally responsive, family-centered care that supports improved functional outcomes for children served through the California Children’s Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Program (MTP).

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: 11/09/2026

Oral Examination: Week of 11/16/2026

THE POSITION

Under medical direction and the supervision of a physical therapist, the physical therapist assistant performs therapy for physically disabled clients ranging in age from birth to 21 years who are eligible for services through the California Children’s Services Medical Therapy Program. Services are primarily provided in an outpatient clinic setting but may also be provided within the home/community to address equipment needs and caregiver training. This classification requires specialized knowledge in pediatric care, physical therapy laws and regulations, and will work on an interdisciplinary team with parents and other professionals. The physical therapist assistant is expected to exercise clinical judgement and adapt treatment interventions within the parameters of the established plan of care based on the patient’s response, while communicating significant changes to the Physical Therapist.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Implement individualized treatment plans established by the Physical Therapist;
• Report patient response to treatment and changes in patient’s functional status to the physical therapist;
• Monitor patient's progress and consult with physical therapist to modify treatment plans;
• Maintain accurate clinical records and prepare written patient progress reports;
• Assist in gathering patient assessment data;
• Attend clinics, case conferences, staff meetings, and in-service training;
• Assist in evaluating for and ordering durable medical equipment and orthotics and instruct patients and caregivers in its use;
• Participate in the IEP process and represent the Medical Therapy Program;
• Consult with patient's caregivers and any other agencies involved in the care of assigned patients;
• Maintains treatment areas, equipment and supplies in a clean, safe, and organized condition; may adjust and make minor repairs to equipment;
• Performs other related duties.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrate to patients and others, acceptable therapeutic techniques utilized in a wide variety of physical therapies;
• Follow, understand, and implement a licensed therapist’s written or oral directions regarding physical therapy treatment plans;
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, staff and others;
• Motivate patients;
• Utilize computers and standard office automation equipment;
• Complete accurate medical records and/or charts; prepare reports;
• Physical stamina to assist patients with mobility and exercise activities.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles, methods, materials, and equipment used in physical therapy;
• Basic principles of anatomy and physiology;
• Safe methods of positioning patients for treatment;
• Body mechanics and safety procedures;
• Possible hazards to patients during treatment and necessary precautionary and remedial measures;
• Basic medical record keeping; basic computer operations, including pertinent software.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program or equivalent.

License and Certificate

• Possess and maintain a current license as a Physical Therapist Assistant by the Physical Therapy Board of California (PTBOC)
• May be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License; depending on the nature of assignment.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes at the time of application. Applicants who are unable to submit proof must call 209-558-7192 to make other arrangements before 5 pm on the final filing date. Failure to submit proof or make other arrangements before the final filing deadline will result in disqualification.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Community and Health Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

RECRUITMENT ACCOMMODATIONS

Arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities and religious convictions. Applicants requiring testing accommodations are required to complete and submit the Testing Accommodations Request Form prior to the test administration date. Special arrangements for religious convictions should be included in the "Additional Information" section of the application form.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Pass County-paid pre-employment job-related background investigation.
• Perform job duties in a manner assuring a safe working environment for oneself and others.
• Maintain confidential information according to the legal standards and/or County regulations as required.
• Some positions may be required to possess and maintain a valid California Driver’s License and meet County insurability requirements.
• Ability to understand and communicate in English sufficiently to safely and effectively perform the essential functions of the position.

APPLICATION AND/OR EXAMINATION APPEAL RIGHTS

Application and/or examination results may be appealed by applicants presenting facts alleging irregularity, fraud and/or error in application screening or in exam scoring. Appeals must be in writing and submitted to the Chief Executive Officer within seven (7) days after the examination results are emailed.

DISCLAIMER

Stanislaus County reserves the right to revise the examination plan described in this flyer to better meet the needs of County service. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The information contained in the bulletin is information which sets forth a general summary of benefits for this respective position. This information is not legally binding. The benefits and other information regarding this position may be found in the Stanislaus County Code, the Stanislaus County Personnel Policies manual, or in the applicable Memorandum of Understanding(s), and such information prevails over information contained in this flyer. Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Stanislaus County Chief Executive Office/Human Relations.