Physical Therapy Asst.- FT

La Paloma Healthcare Center; Oceanside (CA); On-site; USD 50,971 - 56,481; Full time

Job summary

La Paloma Healthcare Center is seeking a Staff Physical Therapist Assistant to support the Physical Therapist in resident care within a California facility in Oceanside. The role includes documenting care accurately and maintaining a safe treatment environment while following infection control and equipment maintenance protocols.

The PTA will collaborate with the supervising PT to update physicians and the interdisciplinary team, participate in care conferences, and educate residents and

Qualifications

• Associate degree PTA required.
• California PTA license required.
• Proficiency with Net Health and Point Click Care software.

Responsibilities

• Treat residents as directed by Physical Therapist.
• Document accurately and timely per facility and payer requirements.
• Maintain safe treatment environment per infection control and equipment protocols.
• Coordinate with supervising PT on progress, goals, and discharge planning.
• Educate residents and families on goals, home programs, and safety.
• Assist with training Restorative Aides and staff as needed.

Education

Associate Degree from an accredited PTA program

Tools

Net Health

Point Click Care

Job description

General Purpose

The Staff Physical Therapist Assistant assists the Staff Physical Therapist with resident-related activities and provides 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 California Laws and Regulations related to Physical Rehabilitation Manual Article 4 § 1398.44.
• Assist nursing department with training of Restorative Aides.
• Communicate 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.
• Provide 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; e.g., splints, walkers, canes, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
• 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.
• Relate positively, effectively, and appropriately with residents, families, staff, and professional colleagues.

Qualification

Education and/or Experience

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

Language Skills

Ability to read technical procedures, policy and procedure manuals, and 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 and 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 continuing education requirements per state practices and maintain a license in good standing at all times. Determine additional certification as appropriate per facility. CPR certification, if required by licensure.

Physical Demands

The essential functions require standing, walking frequently, sitting occasionally, and occasionally climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling as needed to provide resident care and operate equipment. The position requires reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, and manipulating 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 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, in compliance with applicable federal and state laws. The noise level is usually low to moderate.

Compensation

$37‑$41

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.