Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Per Diem

Gardner Heights is a 110-bed skilled nursing community located in Shelton, CT, known for its excellent reputation and strong census. Specializing in secure dementia care, long-term living, and short-term rehabilitation, Gardner Heights prides itself on decades of staff longevity, leading to outstanding resident care outcomes. As part of Apple Rehab—a family-owned and operated company—we treat residents and staff like family, with local leadership based in Avon, CT.

About the Role

At Apple Rehab, our philosophy of Better Life emphasizes the unique value of each patient and staff member, fostering quality relationships that make our community a better place to live and work. We are a best-in-class provider of short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, committed to attracting and retaining top talent.

Responsibilities

• Complies with ethical, regulatory, procedural, and professional standards as defined by state licensure.
• Assists the Physical Therapist (PT) in providing treatments to residents as determined by the Plan of Care.
• Manages caseload with supervisor by scheduling treatments individually or in groups while maintaining efficiency.
• Instructs residents, families, and caregivers in physical therapy techniques to continue post-discharge.
• Adheres to PPS guidelines, ensuring all documentation and treatment conform to billing policies and procedures.
• Works with the PT to oversee and direct rehab techs and assist in supervising and educating affiliating students.
• Ensures the physical environment and equipment are sanitary, orderly, and free from safety hazards.

Residents’ Rights

• Maintains resident confidentiality and privacy.
• Treats residents with kindness and respect to foster self-worth.
• Complies with the Residents’ Bill of Rights.
• Reports grievances, complaints, or rehab-related incidents to the appropriate supervisor immediately.

Requirements

• Graduate of an APTA-accredited Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program.
• Eligible for licensure in the state of practice (new graduates welcome).

Skills

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly, with occasional lifting up to 100 pounds (e.g., moving or transferring patients).
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Fine motor skills and visual acuity (close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus).
• Frequent walking, use of hands, and reaching forward; occasional sitting, stooping, kneeling, or crouching.

The physical demands of this role are classified as Heavy (exerting 50–100 pounds of force occasionally, 20–50 pounds frequently, and 10–20 pounds constantly).

Other Duties

• Maintains professional competence through continuing education, seminars, and training programs.
• Attends all mandatory in-services.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short-term disability and life insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Additional benefits and professional development opportunities.