Physical Therapist Assistant

Description

Who We Are

Are you interested in working for an organization whose mission is to enable frail, underserved, and multicultural senior communities to live independently at home and in their communities, for as long as possible?

Fresno Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is dedicated to providing its participants with comprehensive health and social supports that are proven to effectively manage chronic conditions and to reduce the risk for premature institutionalization. PACE staff are leaders in the “aging in place” industry and we have had the honor of serving Fresno, Bakersfield and Orange County seniors and their families/caregivers

Benefits

Full-time licensed rehabilitation staff may receive an annual $500 allowance to cover the costs of license renewals, continuing education credits, or professional organization memberships.

• 401(k) 
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Job Summary

The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) provides physical therapy services to participants of Innovative Integrated Health (IIH) following the plan of care of the Physical Therapist. Travel may be necessary to support all Innovative Integrated Health (IIH) sites.

Essential Job Functions 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) assist the physical therapist in the treatment of Innovative Integrated Health participants who have medical problems and health related conditions that limit their abilities to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives
• Provide regular updates to Physical Therapist on participants' status in therapy.
• Follow through and training with adaptive equipment and durable medical equipment (DME) for participants such as walkers, orthosis and prosthesis
• Assist in ensuring participant and staff safety 
• Participate in meetings as indicated (morning, team, family, nursing facility, assisted living facility, and hospital).
• Provide treatment as indicated following plan of care from Physical Therapist’s Assessment
• Utilize appropriate safety measures when providing care.
• Work as part of rehab team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist
• Educate staff, participants, and family on therapy services available in the rehab department 
• Instruct, and supervise other staff, and/or family members on therapy program to be carried out by individuals other than a physical therapist/ physical therapy assistant
• Assist in observing participants and collaborate with Physical therapist regarding progress or decline of participant 
• Supervise restorative aides as assigned, including all areas of performance consistent with departmental policies; report as required to supervisor regarding these issues.
• Provide orientation and training in regard to body mechanics and lift equipment to newly hired staff as requested.
• Complete documentation in a timely manner, write daily notes and progress reports 
• Adjust schedule as needed to meet the needs of Innovative Integrated Health participants.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding participant, staff, contractor, and organizational information
• Treat participants with respect and safe technique.
• Provide treatments and skilled services to participants home as necessary. 
• Travel may be necessary to support all Innovative Integrated Health (IIH) sites.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, in-services, projects, and committees as assigned. 
• Adhere to and support the center’s practices, procedures, and policies including assigned break times and attendance.
• Accept assigned duties in a cooperative manner; and perform all other related duties as assigned.
• Be flexible in schedule of hours worked, and in scheduling participants’ treatments to accommodate the participants’ availability.
• May require use of personal vehicle to provide therapy services in participant’s residence. If using a personal vehicle, a valid California Driver’s License is required.
• Must be a licensed driver by the state of California with a good driving record to be approved to utilize the company’s car for home visits.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to cope with mental and emotional stress related to the position; and must have personal integrity.

Ability to function independently and to work effectively and in a collegial manner with all members of the interdisciplinary team, co-workers, and department heads.

Ability to relate to the public and governmental agencies in a pleasant, patient, and professional manner.

Well organized, dependable, flexible, and resourceful

Must have excellent communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The working conditions and physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to access all areas of the center throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, 25 pounds frequently, and 15 pounds constantly; required to obtain assistance from another qualified employee when attempting to lift or transfer objects over 25 pounds.
• Requires constant hand grasp and finger dexterity; frequent sitting, standing, walking and repetitive leg and arm movements, occasional bending, reaching forward and overhead; squatting and kneeling.
• Must have ability to communicate verbally with an excellent comprehension of the English language.
• Work is generally performed in an indoor, well-lighted, well-ventilated, heated, and air-conditioned environment.
• Ability to provide follow up treatments in the participants’ residence as directed by the primary Physical Therapist.

Experience

• Minimum of one (1) year of documented experience working with a frail or elderly population.

Education and Certification 

• Current Physical Therapist Assistant license in the State of California.
• Is medically cleared for communicable diseases and has all immunizations up-to-date before engaging in direct participant contact.
• CPR with First-Aid certification.  

Core Values

• Respect at the core of our interactions.
• Honesty and Integrity with every endeavor
• Patient – Centered care aligned with participant values, beliefs, and preferences. 
• Encouragement that motivates and empowers others to be the best they can be. 
• Quality Care that is efficient, transformative and innovative.