Physical Therapy Assistant Per Diem

About the role

This entry-level Physical Therapist Assistant performs patient treatments and care activities under the general supervision of a physical therapist. The position is directly responsible to a physical therapist for assigned duties and provides physical therapy services according to an established treatment plan.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient treatment and care activities for routine patients of all ages as directed by a therapist from a predetermined physical therapy treatment plan (90%).
• Participate in educational activities (5%).
• Perform miscellaneous assignments as required (5%).
• Prepare equipment and patients for treatment, remove and reapply dressings and bandages, and clean and disinfect equipment after each patient’s treatment in accordance with established policy and procedure.
• Schedule and transport patients in wheelchairs or on gurneys to and from the treatment unit.
• Accurately document patient progress records and prepare patient charge documents.
• Perform safety checks of work areas and equipment, report deficiencies or malfunctions to the supervisor immediately.
• Clean work areas, mats, equipment, and apparatus; prepare linen and supplies for daily requirements.
• Communicate effectively with the therapist regarding the patient’s overall status.

Requirements

• California Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA).
• American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS), or UC Davis Health CPR certification.
• One year of clinical experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) in an inpatient rehab or acute care setting.
• Basic knowledge in physical therapy as identified by the Physical Therapy Practice Act and certification by the State of California.
• Judgmental, verbal, and written communication skills to interact professionally with hospital staff.
• Organizational and developmental skills; ability to work in stressful situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to provide and accept guidance and criticism.
• Ability to assist physical therapists and other staff with patients requiring therapy services involving two or more persons.
• Knowledge of basic anatomy and physiology, and skills in monitoring patient’s physiological status during treatment.
• Knowledge of indications, contraindications, and application of various physical therapy, hydrotherapy, modalities, and procedures.
• Ability to provide treatments as requested under the supervision of a therapist.
• Sufficient visual acuity to observe patient reactions, read monitors, device settings, and written information such as medical records.
• Sufficient hearing and speaking ability to communicate with patients and staff throughout the day.
• Physical strength to assist with patient mobility.
• Basic computer skills.
• Ability to participate in departmental and sectional meetings as required.

Department Overview

The Joint Venture Rehabilitation Hospital provides a full range of rehabilitation services designed to restore patients to their optimal functional capacity. The hospital is a 52-bed facility on the Sacramento medical center campus, equipped with leading-edge amenities and adaptive units where patients can practice typical activities of daily living. It includes a 12-bed brain injury unit and four private rooms for bariatric patients.

Pay

$50.24 per hour.

Schedule

• 20% time (approximately 8 hours per week).
• Variable day shifts.
• Must be able to work assigned weekends and holidays as determined by the department.

Benefits

This position is not benefits-eligible. However, UC Davis offers the following benefits and perks to eligible employees:

• High-quality, low-cost medical plans for you and your family.
• UC-paid dental and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Retirement plans, including pension and other retirement savings plans.
• Supplemental insurance, including life, disability, pet, legal, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity.
• Pregnancy and parental leave, family and medical leave, adoption assistance, and pay for family care and bonding.
• Lactation support program and family care discounts.
• Employee well-being resources and programming.
• On-site Employee Assistance Program with free mental health services.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time as outlined in UC policies or collective bargaining agreements.
• Continuing education allowance and staff education reimbursement program.
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualified employer and student loan debt counseling program.

Physical Demands

• Standing: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Walking: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Sitting: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Bending/Stooping: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Squatting/Kneeling: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Twisting: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders): Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Reaching overhead: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).

Environmental Demands

• Exposure to chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Loud noise levels: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment: Occasional (up to 3 hours).
• Uneven surfaces or elevations: Occasional (up to 3 hours).

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Complex problem-solving and reasoning: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Ability to organize and prioritize: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Communication skills: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Numerical skills: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Constant interaction: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Customer/patient contact: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).
• Managing multiple concurrent tasks: Frequent (3 to 6 hours).