Job Description

Primary Scheduled Hours: Days, 80 hours per pay period

Do you love working with seniors in their “home” environment? We are looking for a PTA who is passionate about helping residents maximize their independence and functional strength while avoiding falls. The right candidate will team up with physical therapists from Newport Community Hospital to build this new service from the ground up. Your clientele will be residents of either River Mountain Village Advanced Care, a state-of-the-art new facility, or the soon-to-open River Mountain Memory Care facility, which are right next to each other near the hospital. We also provide therapy for patients in acute care and our Swing bed program. If volume at River Mountain is low and the census at the hospital is high, you will have the opportunity to float to the hospital to assist there as well.

The physical therapist assistant will be responsible for administering physical therapy treatments and services as supervised by the staff Physical Therapist. They administer treatments and physical agents consistent with the written Plan of Care created by the evaluating Physical Therapist. The Physical Therapist Assistant in the residential care setting assists with restoration of the resident’s normal function to prevent further disability following injury, or disease processes. They assist residents to reach their maximum performance and level of functioning, while learning to live within the limits of their capabilities. They work well within the multi-disciplinary team model and communicate well with team members. The Physical Therapist Assistant also participates in operational aspects of the department and performance improvement activities.

Essential Job Functions:

• Basic knowledge of physical medicine, physical therapy modalities, anatomy and physiology.
• Basic knowledge of physical therapy machine operation, maintenance and repairs of same.
• Provides treatment and rehabilitative services to patients who have experienced injury or disabling disease. Knowledge to provide patients with exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, paraffin baths, hot and cold packs, traction and ultrasound if needed, among other assigned duties.
• Responsible for providing treatment as directed by the staff Physical Therapist. Adheres to standards of physical medicine practice.
• Ability to observe and evaluate treatment effect, discusses observations with staff Physical Therapist.
• Able to assess patient pain interfering with optimal level of function or participation in rehabilitation; makes appropriate physician contact if needed.
• Ability to perform components of an appropriate assessment on all patients as related to the therapy requested and provided any reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent, geriatric patients and the general patient population.
• Responsible for the monitoring and documentation of patient treatment and response.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Assists with formulation of a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and assesses effectiveness of learning. Family is included in teaching as appropriate, and the staff Physical Therapist is appraised of conclusions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of physical therapy modalities.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.

Education Background and Experience Requirements

Minimum Education:

AA degree from a school or college approved by the American Physical Therapy Association.

Required Licensure / Certifications:

Holds current certificate/licensure in Washington state as a Physical Therapist Assistant. Once hired, will complete required Mental Health and Dementia training courses.

Required Experience:

One (1) or more years of experience in residential care/skilled nursing/long term care settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

Three (3) or more years of experience in residential care/skilled nursing/long term care settings, including fall prevention programs.

Professional Requirements:

• Maintain regulatory requirements
• Report to work on time and as scheduled; complete work within designated timelines.
• Demonstrates the ability to adhere to the mission, ethics and goals of the District.
• Demonstrates the ability to communicate with patients, guests and staff in a courteous, respectful and helpful manner.

Compensation/How We Care For You:

Successful candidates typically begin between the beginning and midpoint of the compensation range dependent on qualifications/experience and receive compensation in increments increases annually.

Comprehensive benefit package including:

• Medical/Dental/Vision
• Retirement with a 6% dollar for dollar employer match
• Life and Disability Insurance
• AFLAC
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bonus, if eligible upon Board approval
• Gym membership
• Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Opportunities

Newport Hospital & Health Services (NHHS) is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. NHHS is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.

NHHS employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

NHHS is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities.