Job Title
Physical Therapy Assistant - Palo Alto, CA
Job Profile
What you'll bring to the table:
Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited college.
Ability to practice unencumbered within state and federal guidelines.
Passion for aiding and working with the elderly.
Your opportunity:
Continue our tradition of providing the very best, and most compassionate care to the residents of our facility.
Further develop your clinical skills.
Your returns:
Enjoy a very competitive compensation and benefit package, including 401(K) and relocation assistance.
Generous paid time off.
Take pride in our reputation for giving outstanding patient care.
Opportunity to work with and learn from an exceptional team of speech, occupational and physical therapists.
Benefit from a professional environment that is energetic, enthusiastic and driven.
Background Information
Whether you are a recent graduate, or an experienced therapist, here are some important reasons to consider joining Select Therapies:
*Reputation: Our entire team takes pride in our excellent reputation as a leader in quality care. In fact, when our own families are in need of care, we refer them to Select Therapies, knowing they will receive the best, and most compassionate attention.
*Physical Therapy: Our Physical Therapy team provides an individualized program focused on increasing range of motion, improving body strength, endurance, transfer skills, balance, and ambulation levels in an effort to optimize safe mobility skills.
*Full time, team approach: Unlike many in our field, we strive for full time positions for all of our therapists. As a result, we are able to increase the depth of treatment we offer, and foster a collaborative, team atmosphere for our staff. You will join and partner closely with a team of assistants, aides, and licensed therapists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists.
*Flexibility: We recognize the need to balance personal and professional life, and offer our therapists flexible scheduling and very generous paid time off.
*Technology: Our therapists enjoy the latest state-of-the-art equipment and modalities available to effectively meet the full scope of patient needs. At present, we are introducing the latest in e-stim, ultrasound, and short wave diathermy equipment to all of our facilities, and offering training courses in their usage as well as applying for CEUs.
*Career growth: As we continue to grow, new openings for management positions are also created, and we love to promote from within!
*Family environment: Our team -- everyone from patient care staff to management -- approaches their day-to-day job with the simple philosophy that We are Family, Serving Families. This belief surrounds all that we do from daily interactions with our residents to how we treat our patients, families and our co-workers.
We have an excellent team assembled, and as one of our newest therapists, your mission will be to continue our tradition of providing quality, compassionate care to our elderly patients.
The Nuts & Bolts of the Job
Depending on your background and experience you'll spend anywhere from one day to three months getting to know us. However, you can expect to be treating patients from day one! We provide tailored orientation based on your needs, ranging from an efficient and effective orientation program for experienced Therapists, to an in-depth mentoring program for new graduates. As a full-time employee, you will work an eight-hour day; however we do offer some flexibility depending on your needs and those of your patients.
You will join our Rehabilitation Department, which is managed by an onsite Facility Rehab Director and consists of licensed therapists, assistants, and aides. Working side by side with everyone from our physicians to aides, you will coordinate your efforts with the interdisciplinary team within the facility, in addition to referring physicians, discharge planners, case managers, home health agencies, family and patients, to provide continuity along the continuum of care.
In general, on a typical day, your accountabilities will include:
Individual patient care -- throughout the course of the day, you'll meet with patients one-on-one to administer ongoing therapy.
Meeting with families -- we encourage as much family involvement as possible, and you may invite them to observe treatment sessions and get them involved so that they can provide reinforcement and follow-up.
Documentation -- in the afternoon, you will complete and file all of the paperwork associated with your patients.
In addition, we will look to you to continue to hone and supplement your knowledge and expertise. We enjoy being on the cutting-edge of our field and you will have access to the latest journals, research and new treatments and publications.
The Insider's View
To truly shine in this environment, keep adding to and sharpening your clinical skills while remaining focused on the day-to-day needs of your patients. Looking ahead about three months or so, you'll be in great shape if you have:
Gained an inside-out understanding of our environment and team.
Built strong relationships with our physicians your patients, and their families.
Developed an excellent rapport with your team and instilled confidence in your abilities.
Ultimately, your success will hinge upon a few key qualities and abilities:
Compassion: unlike a hospital setting, our patients spend more than simply a few days with us, and sometimes they are here to stay for the duration of their lives. Compassion will define not only your work, but your outlook and your relationships with patients.
Partnering with families: in keeping with our policy of We are Family, Serving Families, you will establish relationships with your patients' families to ensure the best treatment.
Excellent clinical skills: these are the hallmark of a successful Therapist, and we'll look to you to continually develop your skills, and possibly mentor new team members in your area of expertise.
Critical thinking skills: you’ll rely upon your analytical abilities to think on your feet and make decisions quickly and effectively.
Independence: while we often work together as a team to ensure the comfort and recovery of our patients, we encourage autonomy, and self management and direction.
Excerpts: Q & A with the Hiring Manager
What differentiates an outstanding Therapist from one who is simply status quo?
The exceptional person has a passion for working with the elderly and develops strong relationships both within the team and with family members and patients. This role is for a true 'people person' who enjoys interacting with a broad range of people. Another key quality is an innate belief in teamwork and the desire to work with the entire Select Therapies team to ensure that our seniors receive the best, and most compassionate care. We cannot teach caring. We can teach techniques and skills, but not caring.
What do you look for in a candidate that you cannot necessarily tell from a resume?
I try to determine where their passions lie. There are so many areas to choose from in patient care, everyone likes something different. This position is ideal for someone who is truly passionate about geriatrics.
Why did you choose to join Select Therapies?
Simply put, we are a great company to work for. This might seem to be an overused statement, but it could not be more applicable. I left a position of 8 years to join Select Therapies simply because the environment here is the best, bar none. That is, we foster a family-like atmosphere and saying that we truly care about our patients and team is not an empty statement. It is our mantra. The company is not so big that we have lost sight of quality and communication; however, we are a stable company with a well-established reputation, and have access to cutting edge information and equipment.
Qualifications
Required experience and qualifications:
Associate’s degree in Physical Therapy from an accredited college.
Ability to practice unencumbered within state and federal guidelines.
Passion for aiding and working with the elderly.
Openness to travel between facilities.
Preferred, but not required:
Experience working with elderly patients.
Essential qualities and attributes:
Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Team attitude.
Flexibility.
Job URL
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Location: USA-CA-San Jose |
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Date Last Verified
Sep 09,2010 |
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Posted on
Jul 30,2010 |
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Company info
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