Physical Therapist Assistant(PTA) Per Diem

About the role

Willow Creek Health Care Center

Pay Range

$46.00-$47.00 per hour, based on experience

Join Our Rehabilitation Team

Willow Creek Health Care Center is seeking a compassionate and motivated Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) to join our rehabilitation team on a per-diem basis.

Working under the direction and supervision of a licensed Physical Therapist, the PTA provides resident-centered treatment designed to improve mobility, strength, balance, safety, and functional independence. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your clinical skills in a supportive skilled nursing environment while enjoying the flexibility of a per-diem schedule.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide physical therapy treatments as directed by the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Follow individualized plans of care and established treatment protocols.
• Observe and document residents' responses to treatment, progress toward goals, and changes in condition.
• Complete timely, accurate, and compliant documentation in accordance with facility, governmental, and third-party payer requirements.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising Physical Therapist regarding resident progress, treatment response, goals, and discharge planning.
• Collaborate with physicians, nursing staff, rehabilitation professionals, residents, families, and other interdisciplinary team members.
• Participate in resident care conferences and rehabilitation meetings as needed.
• Practice in accordance with applicable California laws and regulations governing Physical Therapist Assistants, including Article 4, Section 1398.44.
• Assist the nursing department with training Restorative Nursing Assistants.
• Educate residents, families, and caregivers regarding treatment goals, home exercise and maintenance programs, safe mobility techniques, and fall-prevention strategies.
• Recommend and assist with obtaining appropriate durable medical equipment, including walkers, canes, splints, elevated toilet seats, grab bars, and other mobility devices.
• Provide staff training and in-service education as assigned.
• Maintain a safe treatment environment by following infection-prevention, safety, and equipment-maintenance protocols.
• Promptly report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Participate in quality-assurance, performance-improvement, and rehabilitation program-development initiatives.
• Maintain the confidentiality of resident and company information.
• Develop positive, professional relationships with residents, families, staff, and healthcare professionals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program required.
• Current California Physical Therapist Assistant license required.
• License must remain active, unrestricted, and in good standing.
• Must satisfy all state continuing-education requirements.
• Current CPR certification, if required by licensure or facility policy.
• Skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or long-term care experience preferred.
• Experience with Net Health, PointClickCare, or similar electronic documentation systems preferred.
• Strong clinical, organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• New graduates who meet California licensing requirements are encouraged to apply.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to read and understand technical procedures, treatment plans, and facility policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, families, managers, coworkers, and healthcare professionals.
• Ability to solve practical problems and follow written, verbal, diagrammed, or scheduled instructions.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the supervising Physical Therapist.
• Basic mathematical skills, including fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Compassionate, professional, and resident-centered approach to care.

Physical Requirements

This position requires frequent standing and walking and occasional sitting, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The PTA must be able to reach, push, pull, lift, and manipulate residents, objects, and equipment while following safe resident-handling practices.

The role may require exerting more than 100 pounds occasionally, more than 50 pounds frequently, and more than 20 pounds regularly when safely assisting residents or moving equipment. Adequate visual, auditory, tactile, and verbal abilities are required to provide safe and effective care.

Work Environment

• This position works throughout the rehabilitation and resident-care areas of the facility.
• Occupational exposure to infectious materials, blood, body fluids, and other conditions common to a skilled nursing environment may occur.
• The noise level is generally low to moderate.