Physical Therapist Assistant - Per Diem

• Appointment Type:
  Staff:
  Per Diem

This PT Assistant (Per Diem) performs patient treatments and patient care activities under the general supervision of a physical therapist. The position is directly responsible to a physical therapist for the performance of duties as assigned and supervised by a therapist. This entry‑level physical therapist assistant is expected to provide physical therapy services according to an established treatment plan under the direction of a physical therapist.

Must be able to perform all responsibilities of a Physical Therapist Assistant as required and assigned by supervisor.

• California Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (PTASST)
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification or UC Davis Health CPR
• Must have one year of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in the inpatient rehab or acute care settings.
• Basic knowledge in physical therapy, as identified by the Physical Therapy Practice Act, and certification by the State of California.
• Judgmental skills. Verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate with hospital staff in a clear, concise, professional manner.
• Organizational and developmental skills. Skills and ability to work in stressful situations. Tact and diplomacy skills.
• Ability to provide and accept guidance and criticism.
• Ability to assist physical therapists and other staff with patients requiring therapy services of two or more persons.
• The knowledge to properly prepare patients for treatment and provide modalities and procedures to patients under the supervision of a therapist.
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, and skills in monitoring patients’ physiological status during the course of treatment.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the therapist about the patient’s overall status.
• Knowledge of indications and contraindications and the application of various physical therapy, hydrotherapy, modalities, and procedures.
• The ability to provide treatments as requested, under the supervision of a therapist.
• Ability to schedule and transport patients in wheelchairs or on gurneys to and from the treatment unit.
• Ability to prepare equipment and patient for treatment, remove and reapply dressing and bandages, and clean and disinfect equipment after each patient’s treatment in accordance with established policy and procedure.
• Ability to accurately document patient progress records and accurately prepare patient charge documents.
• Ability to make a safety check of the work area, check the safety of equipment, and report any deficiency or malfunction of equipment immediately to the supervisor.
• Ability to clean work area, mats, equipment, apparatus, and prepare linen and supplies for daily requirements.
• Must see well enough to observe patient reactions and read relevant monitors, relevant device settings, and relevant written information such as the patient’s medical record.
• Must hear and speak well enough to communicate with patients and staff throughout the day.
• Must possess the physical strength to assist with patient mobility.
• Must possess sufficient mobility to traverse the distances required to serve patients throughout the institution.
• Must have basic computer skills.
• Ability to participate in departmental and sectional meetings as required.

• 90% – Provide patient treatment and patient care activities for routine patients of all ages as directed by a therapist from a predetermined physical therapy treatment plan.
• 5% – Educational Activities
• 5% – Miscellaneous assignments as required

The primary purpose of the Joint Venture Rehabilitation Hospital is to provide a full range of rehabilitation services designed to restore patients to their optimal functional capacity. The hospital is a 52‑bed rehabilitation hospital on the Sacramento Medical Center campus. It is equipped with leading‑edge amenities and adaptive units where patients can practice typical activities of daily living. The rehabilitation hospital also includes a 12‑bed…