Physical Therapist - Per Diem

US Lawns; Hilo (HI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant to provide compassionate, evidence-based rehabilitation under a licensed PT. You will help residents improve mobility, function, and independence within a skilled nursing setting.

The role emphasizes individualized plans, progress monitoring, and collaboration with an interdisciplinary team, including documentation aligned with Medicare and facility standards.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited PTA program.
• Hawaii PTA license in good standing.
• Current BLS certification.
• 0–4 years of PTA experience; skilled nursing/geriatric rehab preferred.
• Knowledge of Medicare guidelines and skilled nursing documentation preferred.
• Strong communication, teamwork, clinical reasoning, and EMR proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Implement individualized PTA treatment plans under supervising PT to improve mobility, strength, balance, and independence.
• Monitor progress, communicate changes in status, and assist with evaluations, reassessments, and discharge planning.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment plans and exercises.
• Complete accurate clinical documentation, meet productivity expectations, and adhere to CMS/facility standards.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team for safe transitions and positive rehab outcomes.
• Promote resident safety by infection prevention and ongoing professional development.

Skills

EMR proficiency

Communication

Teamwork

Clinical reasoning

Education

Associate degree PTA

Hawaii PTA license

BLS certification

Tools

EMR software

Job description

Job Description

Join Yukio Okutsu State Veterans Home and be part of a team that proudly cares for our friends, family, and neighbors across East Hawaiʻi.

The Physical Therapist Assistant provides compassionate, evidence-based rehabilitation services under the direction of a licensed Physical Therapist to help residents improve mobility, restore function, and achieve the highest possible level of independence. This role plays a vital part in supporting safe, high-quality resident care by implementing individualized treatment plans, monitoring progress, and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team while developing clinical expertise in a skilled nursing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement individualized physical therapy treatment plans established by the supervising Physical Therapist to improve residents' mobility, strength, balance, functional independence, and safety.
• Monitor resident progress, communicate changes in functional status, and assist the Physical Therapist with evaluations, reassessments, discharge planning, and recommendations for assistive devices.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment plans, therapeutic exercises, and progress under the direction of the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Complete accurate, timely, and compliant clinical documentation while meeting productivity expectations and adhering to Medicare, CMS, and facility standards.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to support resident-centered care, safe transitions, and positive rehabilitation outcomes.
• Promote resident safety by following infection prevention practices, regulatory requirements, culturally responsive care standards, and participating in ongoing professional development.

Education, Experience & Certifications

• Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program.
• Current Hawaii Physical Therapist Assistant license in good standing.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• New graduate or approximately 0–4 years of clinical Physical Therapist Assistant experience; experience in skilled nursing, long-term care, or geriatric rehabilitation preferred.
• Knowledge of physical therapy interventions, Medicare guidelines, and skilled nursing documentation preferred.
• Strong communication, teamwork, clinical reasoning, electronic medical record (EMR) proficiency, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

East Hawaii State Veterans Home is a drug-free workplace, an Equal Opportunity Employer, and conducts employment verification through E-Verify.