Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

Forest Acres Post Acute; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent healthcare benefits (for FT)

Flexible scheduling options for work/l

Growth, advancement & PRN within SC

Positive team culture with supportive/

A fun, family-oriented atmosphere

Job summary

Forest Acres Post Acute in Downtown Columbia, South Carolina is seeking a dedicated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our Therapy Team. This full-time role offers a supportive, patient-centered environment where you can help residents regain mobility and confidence.

As a PTA, you will assist the Physical Therapist with treatment plans, support patient progress, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to deliver high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree from an accredited PTA program is required.
• Active, unencumbered South Carolina PTA license is required.
• Experience in a fast-paced healthcare setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Physical Therapist with treatment plans and patient care.
• Help residents improve mobility, strength, balance, and independence.
• Encourage and motivate residents through their rehab journey.
• Work alongside an interdisciplinary team.
• Communicate progress and discharge plans to physicians, nursing staff, residents and families.

Skills

Net Health

Point Click Care

Education

Associate Degree from an accredited PTA program

Job description

Forest Acres Post Acute is a beautiful 132-bed skilled nursing and rehab facility conveniently located in Downtown Columbia, South Carolina.

We value the relationships we have in our community, with our fellow colleagues, and with our residents and their families.

Full-time Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)

Ready to love where you work? We’re looking for an energetic, compassionate, and motivated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our amazing Therapy Team!

If you’re passionate about helping others regain strength, confidence, and independence while working with a team that truly appreciates you, this is the place for you!

What We Offer Our PTAs

• $25-35/hour
• Excellent healthcare benefits (for Full Time team members)
• Flexible scheduling options for work/life balance
• Growth, advancement & PRN opportunities within our South Carolina sister facilities
• Positive team culture with supportive leadership
• A fun, family-oriented atmosphere where you matter

What You'll Be Doing

• Assist the Physical Therapist with treatment plans and patient care
• Help residents improve mobility, strength, balance, and independence
• Encourage and motivate residents through their rehab journey
• Work alongside an awesome interdisciplinary team
• Celebrate resident progress and victories every day

What You'll Need

• Physical Therapist Assistant Degree from an accredited college/university
• Active, unencumbered South Carolina PTA license
• Experience in a fast-paced healthcare setting preferred
• A heart for serving others and helping residents thrive

General Purpose

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and direct resident care.

Essential Duties

• Treat residents as directed by Physical Therapist.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
• Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection control, safety, and equipment maintenance protocols.
• Participate in Resident Care conferences and/or Rehabilitation meetings, as needed. For California PTAs, remain in accordance with the California Laws and Regulations related to Physical Rehabilitation Manual Article 4 § 1398.44.
• Assist nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
• Communicates routinely with the supervising physical therapist to ensure timely updates to physicians, nursing staff, the interdisciplinary team, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
• Provides in-services on training programs for other staff in the facility as needed.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers on treatment goals, home exercise programs, maintenance programs, safety techniques, and fall prevention strategies.
• Recommend and facilitate the ordering of necessary durable medical equipment for residents to facilitate independence in mobility; i.e., splints, walkers, canes, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
• Must maintain confidentiality of residents' information as well as company information.
• Report any problems with department equipment so that it is maintained in good working order.
• Contribute to quality assurance, performance improvement initiatives, and facility rehabilitation program development as assigned.
• Ability to relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents/residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience

• Associate Degree from an accredited PTA program. Proficient in computer skills such as inputting data into programs such as Net Health and Point Click Care.

Language Skills

• Ability to read technical procedures.
• Ability to read and comprehend policy and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, coworkers and families.

Mathematical Skills

• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability

• Ability to solve practical problems.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Licensed as a Physical Therapist Assistant in the state.
• Employee must meet continue education requirements per state practices.
• Must maintain a license in good standing at all time with the state board.
• Determine additional certification as appropriate per facility.
• CPR certification, if required by licensure.

Physical Demands

The essential functions of this position require the ability to stand and walk frequently and sit occasionally, as well as occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl as needed to provide resident care and operate equipment. The position requires the ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate objects and equipment, with exertion that may occasionally exceed 100 pounds, frequently exceed 50 pounds, or constantly exceed 20 pounds to safely move residents or equipment. Effective communication, including talking and hearing, is required to interact with residents, families, and the healthcare team. The ability to perceive and respond to environmental cues, including tactile, auditory, and visual information, is essential for safe and effective resident care. Other essential functions include assisting, supporting, and transporting residents in accordance with safe resident handling practices.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.