Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Part-Time

About the role

Westgate Gardens Care Center

Pay Range

$40.00-$45.00 per hour

Help Residents Regain Strength, Mobility, and Independence

Westgate Gardens Care Center is seeking a compassionate and motivated Full-Time Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our rehabilitation team. Under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the PTA provides skilled treatment that helps residents improve mobility, balance, strength, safety, and functional independence.

The ideal candidate is clinically strong, resident-focused, and excited to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team in a skilled nursing environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide physical therapy treatment according to the supervising Physical Therapist's plan of care.
• Carry out therapeutic exercise, transfer training, gait training, balance activities, and other approved interventions.
• Monitor residents' responses to treatment and promptly communicate changes, concerns, or progress to the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant treatment documentation.
• Follow facility, governmental, professional, and third-party payer requirements.
• Communicate with physicians, nursing staff, rehabilitation professionals, residents, and families regarding progress, goals, and discharge planning.
• Participate in resident-care conferences, rehabilitation meetings, and interdisciplinary discussions as needed.
• Practice within the California Physical Therapy Practice Act and all applicable supervision requirements.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers regarding treatment goals, home exercise programs, safety techniques, fall prevention, and maintenance programs.
• Assist the Nursing Department with training Restorative Aides when requested.
• Provide staff education and in-service training as appropriate.
• Recommend and assist with obtaining durable medical equipment that supports safe mobility and independence, including walkers, canes, splints, elevated toilet seats, and grab bars.
• Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection-control, safety, and equipment-maintenance procedures.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning rehabilitation equipment promptly.
• Contribute to quality-assurance, performance-improvement, and rehabilitation-program initiatives.
• Maintain the confidentiality of resident, employee, and company information.
• Develop positive and professional relationships with residents, families, coworkers, and healthcare partners.
• Perform additional duties within the PTA scope of practice as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program required.
• Current California Physical Therapist Assistant license in good standing required.
• Current CPR certification as required by facility policy or licensure.
• Skilled nursing, long-term care, geriatric, or post-acute rehabilitation experience preferred.
• Knowledge of safe resident-handling, transfer, mobility, and fall-prevention techniques.
• Proficiency with electronic documentation systems such as Net Health and PointClickCare preferred.
• Strong clinical reasoning, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to read and understand treatment plans, technical procedures, and facility policies.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining appropriate communication with the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Must complete all required continuing education and maintain active licensure.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting, and the ability to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate equipment. Occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling may be necessary.

The position may require exerting more than 100 pounds occasionally, more than 50 pounds frequently, or more than 20 pounds regularly when safely assisting residents or moving equipment. Employees must follow all training, facility procedures, and safe resident-handling practices.